These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a fun and tasty meal! With juicy ground beef and a sweet, spicy honey sauce, each bowl is packed with flavor that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how easy it is to whip these up for a quick dinner. Plus, you can mix in your favorite veggies or top it with some fresh herbs for a splash of color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey or even plant-based ground meat. They work well, too, and still give you that hearty texture.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and nutrients. If unavailable, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be used. They’ll offer a different taste, but it’s still delicious!
Hot Honey: Hot honey brings a special kick. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce or even red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat to your liking!
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: These add creaminess to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth as a great alternative!
How to Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes can make them crispy and sweet, but it’s easy to mess up. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Peel and dice the sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them on a baking sheet.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as space allows them to crisp up.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. Look for golden color at the edges.
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 2 cups broccoli or any green vegetable (like kale or spinach)
- 1/2 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
For Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh greens (like lettuce or spinach) for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook, making the total time about 45 minutes. You’ll spend a bit of time prepping the ingredients and cooking them to create beautiful, flavorful bowls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway for even cooking!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally!
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
As the beef cooks, you can take care of the veggies! Steam or sauté the broccoli (or whichever greens you’re using) until they’re tender, which should take around 5-7 minutes. This will add some nice color and nutrition to your bowls!
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Now comes the fun part—assembling your bowls! In each serving bowl, layer the cooked ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and the sautéed greens. Drizzle some hot honey over the top for a delightful sweet and spicy kick!
5. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, you can finish off each bowl with a few slices of avocado and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. These toppings are optional but highly recommended!
6. Serve:
Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls while they’re warm! If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times might vary a bit, so be sure to check for doneness as you cook!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking. You can also drizzle on more hot honey for additional heat without sacrificing sweetness!
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary based on the vegetable you choose—cook until they reach your desired tenderness.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist while reheating.
