These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a fun twist on your meal! With juicy ground beef mixed with sweet and spicy honey, every bite is bursting with flavor.
It’s like a party in a bowl! I love to add rice or veggies for extra crunch. Plus, who doesn’t love a little heat with their dinner? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef (like 90/10) to keep the dish lighter. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can work as great substitutes, making the dish a bit healthier.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and pair well with the spicy sauce. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, you can swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash, which adds a nice flavor!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli keeps the dish colorful and nutritious. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli can be a time-saver. Just remember to adjust steam time for frozen veggies!
Honey: I love that honey brings a unique sweetness to this dish. If you need a sugar-free option, try using maple syrup or agave, but the flavor will slightly change.
Hot Sauce: The level of heat is totally up to you. Experiment with different hot sauces—sriracha or Frank’s RedHot works wonderfully. For a milder option, you can use a sweet chili sauce.
How Do I Make the Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes perfectly requires just the right balance of time and temperature. This ensures they become tender with caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Start with preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes for thorough cooking.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread in a single layer to prevent steaming.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a little different!
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, or additional hot sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and then about 30 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they caramelize nicely and cook evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. It should be cooked through and crumbly.
3. Season the Beef:
Now, season the cooked beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Once it’s well mixed, reduce the heat and add the honey and hot sauce. Stir everything together until all the beef is coated in that delicious sweet and spicy sauce.
4. Steam the Broccoli:
In another pot or a steamer basket, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets. Steam them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are a vibrant green and tender but still a bit crisp. Don’t overcook them!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! In bowls, layer the mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, hot honey ground beef, and steamed broccoli. Feel free to customize each bowl to your liking!
6. Add the Final Touches:
Drizzle extra hot honey over the top if you like it spicy, and add any optional toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream or some chopped green onions for extra flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your hot honey ground beef bowls immediately and enjoy this tasty, flavorful dish with all the sweet and spicy goodness!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as leaner meats may cook faster than beef. Seasonings can remain the same for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water to the beef to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of hot sauce beyond 2–3 tablespoons or try adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spicy chili powder to the beef for an extra kick. Just remember to adjust according to your spice tolerance!
What Can I Use Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option. Adjust roasting times accordingly; potatoes may take a little longer, while cauliflower will need less time!
