These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy ground beef is cooked and tossed with hot honey, all served over fluffy rice or your favorite grain.
The best part? You can top it with your choice of veggies or crunchy toppings! I love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for alternatives, try ground turkey or chicken. They are lighter yet still flavorful.
Sweet Potato: These add natural sweetness. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash works well too. You could also use regular potatoes, but they won’t provide the same sweetness.
Hot Honey: This is the star ingredient! If you can’t find hot honey, combine regular honey with a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes. Adjust the heat level based on your taste.
Eggs: I love fried eggs for their runny yolks, which add creaminess. For a healthier option, scrambled eggs or even tofu scramble work if you’re vegan.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their delicious sweetness and creates a nice texture. Start simple: cut them evenly for uniform cooking!
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding for the best caramelization.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway to ensure even browning.
These steps will give you sweet potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting sweet potato)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 4 oz goat cheese or feta cheese (crumbled)
- Cooked white or brown rice, quinoa, or any grain base (about 2 cups cooked)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, making it a great option for a delicious weeknight meal. In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Prepare Hot Honey Sauce:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if you like a little extra spice) in a small bowl. Set this delicious hot honey sauce aside for later!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a medium skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper as you cook. Brown it well, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it.
4. Cook the Eggs:
In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up or however you prefer them. A slightly runny yolk adds a rich creaminess to the bowl that complements the other flavors.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put it all together! In four bowls, divide the cooked rice or grains as your base. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked ground beef, sliced avocado, and green onions on top, creating sections in the bowl.
6. Complete with Egg and Cheese:
Top each bowl with a fried egg and sprinkle crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese over everything for a salty kick!
7. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Generously drizzle your prepared hot honey sauce over the entire bowl for that sweet and spicy flavor burst!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Lastly, garnish with sesame seeds and an extra sprinkle of chili flakes if you like more spice. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite!
This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, providing a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Can I Use Leaner Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit less flavorful than beef, so you might want to adjust your seasonings.
What If I Don’t Like Sweet Potatoes?
No problem! You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes or even diced butternut squash. Both alternatives will still add great texture and flavor to your bowls.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The hot honey sauce can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep everything moist.