The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a simple, flavorful dish that mixes the savory taste of browned ground beef with a sweet and spicy kick from hot honey. It’s a perfect balance of spicy heat and sticky sweetness, all served over a bed of rice or your favorite grain. You’ll love the way the ground beef gets a little crispy around the edges while soaking up that delicious sauce.
I have to say, the thing I love most about this dish is how easy it comes together, especially on busy weeknights. I usually stir in some fresh veggies like bell peppers or green onions to brighten it up, but it’s fantastic all on its own too. The combo of sweet honey and spicy heat from chili flakes or hot sauce is what keeps everyone coming back for more.
My favorite way to serve the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime on top—that fresh zing just takes it up a notch. It’s also great with a fried egg on the side to add a little richness. Every time I make this, it feels like a cozy, satisfying meal that hits all the right spots and keeps the flavors interesting without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for good flavor and fat content. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but you might want to add a bit of oil to keep it juicy.
Sweet Potato: Roasted sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, try butternut squash or carrots for a similar effect.
Hot Honey Sauce: The combo of honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce gives this dish its sweet-heat punch. If you don’t have hot honey, make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
Eggs: A fried egg adds creaminess and richness. If you prefer, a poached egg works well too. For vegans, you can skip the egg or try scrambled tofu.
Cheese: Feta cheese adds a tangy bite. Goat cheese is a nice substitute; for a dairy-free option, omit or use a plant-based cheese.
How Do I Get Crispy, Flavorful Ground Beef for This Bowl?
Cooking the beef just right makes all the difference. Here’s how to get flavorful, slightly crispy ground beef:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high before adding beef—this helps with browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown the beef in batches if needed to allow moisture to evaporate and get a nice sear.
- Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula or spoon to get even cooking.
- Season lightly with salt early, but save most seasoning for after browning, so the meat stays juicy.
- Once browned and any liquid has cooked off, add your hot honey sauce and cook it in for a couple of minutes. This helps the beef soak up the flavors and get a sticky glaze.
These simple steps will give you ground beef with great texture and taste—perfect for your hot honey bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I love this because it evenly roasts sweet potatoes and is easy to clean.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the beef and frying eggs without overcrowding.
- Whisk – helps you smoothly combine the hot honey sauce ingredients.
- Nonstick pan – makes frying eggs easy and cleanup quick.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – essential for chopping sweet potatoes, avocado, and veggies.
- Measuring spoons and cups – keep your ingredients just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for leaner versions.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions to boost flavor and texture.
- Spice it up with additional chili flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper in the beef or hot honey sauce.
- Swap feta for crumbled queso fresco or vegan cheese for different cheesy notes.
Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for sweet potatoes)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce or chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 2 large eggs
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20-25 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes, and 15 minutes to cook the beef and eggs. In total, plan on around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and nicely caramelized.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce & Combine:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce or chili flakes. Pour this sauce into the cooked ground beef and stir well. Cook for another 2 minutes so the beef soaks up the sweet-spicy flavor, then remove from heat.
4. Fry the Eggs:
Heat a nonstick pan and fry your eggs sunny-side up or how you like them. Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
5. Assemble the Bowl:
Divide fresh greens between your serving bowls. Add the honey-hot ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes in separate sections around the bowl. Place the fried egg on top, add avocado slices, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
6. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle any leftover hot honey sauce over the egg and sweet potatoes. Garnish with sesame seeds if you like. Serve immediately, optionally adding a lime wedge to squeeze over for a fresh bright finish.
Enjoy your warm, spicy, and sweet Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before roasting to avoid extra moisture, which can prevent caramelization.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Adjust the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes to your heat preference. For milder, reduce or omit the chili flakes and add a touch more honey for balance.
Can I Prepare This Bowl Ahead of Time?
You can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the beef in advance and store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Fry the eggs fresh when ready to serve for best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and sweet potatoes on the stove or in the microwave, and fry fresh eggs when serving.