There’s something magical about a bowl that brings together sweet, spicy, and savory in every single bite. This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl has become my answer to those nights when I want comfort food that still feels nourishing and balanced.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
I always keep these simple ingredients on hand because this bowl has become a weekly staple in my house. The combination might seem unusual at first, but trust me – each element plays an important role in creating that perfect sweet-spicy-savory balance.
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% preferred) – I recommend using 93% lean to avoid excess grease
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat works)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade) – My go-to is a quality brand without fillers
- 2 tablespoons hot honey – Start with 1 tablespoon if you’re sensitive to heat
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon – In my experience, this adds unexpected warmth to the sweet potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, fresh lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting with the sweet potatoes since they take the longest to roast. While they’re in the oven, you’ll have plenty of time to cook the beef and prep your toppings.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet – don’t overcrowd them or they’ll steam instead of roast. Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy at the edges.
Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. The beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety. Drain any excess fat if needed, then stir in the taco seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper. For an extra layer of warmth, add a small pinch of cinnamon here too. Let it cook for another minute to toast the spices.
Step 4: Now for the fun part – assembly! Start with a generous base of roasted sweet potatoes in each bowl. Top with the seasoned ground beef, then add sliced avocado and a scoop of cottage cheese on the side.
Step 5: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the entire bowl – this is what brings everything together. Add any optional garnishes like cilantro, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Perfect Pairings for Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
This bowl is already quite complete on its own, but sometimes you want a little something extra on the side to round out the meal.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp lettuce salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef and adds refreshing crunch. The acidity balances the sweet hot honey beautifully.
Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and roast alongside your sweet potatoes. The slightly charred edges add a nutty flavor that complements the smoky taco seasoning. Try this Chicken With Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry technique for perfectly roasted veggies.
Cilantro Lime Rice: If you want to make this bowl even heartier, serve it over cilantro lime rice or quinoa. The bright citrus notes enhance the overall flavor profile.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn adds natural sweetness and a pop of color. Plus, it echoes the Southwestern-inspired flavors in the taco seasoning. If you love corn, check out my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for another delicious option.
Fresh Fruit Bowl: A side of pineapple, mango, or melon provides a refreshing contrast and plays up the sweet-spicy theme of the hot honey.
Brown Rice or Quinoa: For those looking to add more substance, these grains work wonderfully. Consider the Taco Rice Bowl approach for similar Southwestern flavors.
Keeping It Fresh
Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the sweet potatoes crispy, the avocado fresh, and prevents everything from getting soggy. I usually prep the beef and sweet potatoes on Sunday and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat the beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and cottage cheese, then drizzle with hot honey. Pro tip: slightly warm the hot honey for a few seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
The cooked ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep the hot honey sauce separate until serving time for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great in this recipe. Just note that leaner meats may need a touch more olive oil during cooking to prevent sticking.
What if I can’t find hot honey?
You can make your own by warming regular honey and stirring in red pepper flakes to taste. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then strain. Or simply use regular honey and add hot sauce on the side.
Is cottage cheese necessary?
While it adds wonderful creaminess and protein, you can substitute Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even crumbled feta if you prefer. Each brings its own delicious twist to the bowl.
Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet without overcrowding. Roast for 40-45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy at the edges.
- While sweet potatoes roast, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned with no pink remaining and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in taco seasoning, a small pinch of cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute to toast the spices.
- Assemble bowls by starting with a generous base of roasted sweet potatoes. Top with seasoned ground beef, then add sliced avocado and a scoop of cottage cheese on the side.
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the entire bowl. Add optional garnishes like cilantro, red pepper flakes, or fresh lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy while warm.
