If you love bold flavors and satisfying textures in a bowl, you are going to fall head over heels for this Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe. It brings together crispy roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef with a hint of tomato and spice, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh avocado, all crowned with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. Each bite bursts with warmth, a touch of sweetness, and just enough kick to keep you coming back for more. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each one plays a special role: the sweet potatoes add sweetness and texture, the ground beef brings hearty richness, and the cottage cheese offers creamy balance. The hot honey ties everything together with a delightful spicy-sweet finish.
- Sweet potatoes (1 1/2 lbs): Peeled and diced, these provide a natural sweetness and beautiful color when roasted.
- Salt, pepper, cinnamon: Basic seasonings with cinnamon adding a warm depth that complements the sweet potatoes brilliantly.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb, 93/7): Lean yet flavorful, perfect for soaking up the taco seasoning without excess grease.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Adds intense, concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the beef.
- Taco seasoning (1 tbsp): Infuses the meat with familiar spices that spice up the bowl.
- Low fat cottage cheese (2 cups): Creamy and light, it balances out the bold flavors and textures.
- Avocados (4 small): Fresh and buttery, they introduce a cooling contrast to the spicy notes.
- Hot honey (2 tbsp): The star ingredient that adds a fiery sweetness, elevating the entire dish.
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a light spray of cooking oil, then season them generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. The cinnamon may sound surprising, but trust me, it adds a cozy warmth that blends perfectly with the natural sweetness. Spread the potatoes out on the sheet in a single layer and bake for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure crisp, even edges.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While your sweet potatoes roast, set a frying pan over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks to get those perfect little crumbles, and cook until it’s fully browned, approximately five minutes. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a greasy finish. This step ensures the beef remains flavorful but light enough to pair beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Season the Beef
To your cooked beef, stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning along with a splash of water. This combination boosts the savory notes and adds a lovely saucy texture to coat each bite. Cook this mixture for another couple of minutes until everything is heated through and well blended. Then, take it off the heat so it can rest while you assemble your bowls.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Now comes the fun part! Start layering your bowl with a generous base of the roasted sweet potatoes, followed by the seasoned ground beef. Add dollops of cottage cheese for creamy coolness, and plenty of sliced fresh avocado for that buttery, rich contrast. Finish everything with a generous drizzle of hot honey. The sweet, spicy honey glaze is what truly transforms this bowl into something unforgettable.
How to Serve Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe to the next level, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top. These garnishes add vibrant color and brightness that lift the dish and create a fresh, inviting presentation. A few chili flakes can also amplify the heat for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a satisfying, full meal on its own, but if you want a little something extra, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or a light slaw. These sides add crunch and balance, making the meal feel even more complete. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe layered in clear parfait glasses to show off each colorful component. You can also use lettuce leaves or large collard greens as “bowls” for a low-carb, hand-held version that’s perfect for casual get-togethers or lunchboxes. The vibrant colors of sweet potato, beef, and avocado make for an irresistible presentation that draws everyone in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe is made, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado separate if possible, as it tends to brown quickly. This will help maintain that fresh, inviting look and taste when you reheat your meal.
Freezing
The roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef freeze very well. Store them together or separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Fresh ingredients like avocado and cottage cheese should ideally be added fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your components gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid overheating the cottage cheese—add it fresh after reheating to keep its creamy texture. Drizzle your favorite amount of hot honey after reheating for maximum flavor impact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives you that classic flavor and richness, ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives. You might need to adjust the seasoning slightly to bring out the best flavor with different meats.
What exactly is hot honey, and can I make it at home?
Hot honey is a wonderful combination of honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet and spicy kick. If you don’t have store-bought hot honey, you can easily make your own by warming honey with crushed red pepper flakes for about 30 minutes, then straining the flakes out for a smooth, spicy syrup.
Is this bowl suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just keep the avocado and cottage cheese separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh, cooked lentils, or a meat substitute you enjoy. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers on flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat mainly comes from the hot honey drizzle, which you can adjust according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer milder flavors, use less hot honey or choose a milder variety. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals for an easy, comforting dish with a punch of flavor. The combination of sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory makes every spoonful exciting and satisfying. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s hearty, bright, and can easily become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Print
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls combine roasted sweet potatoes, flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey for a satisfying and well-balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs sweet potato (680 g), peeled and diced into ~1/4″ cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Cinnamon, to taste
- Cooking spray, for roasting
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb 93/7 lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (16 g)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups 2% low fat cottage cheese (452 g)
- 4 small avocados (400 g), peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp hot honey (42 g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a half baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a light spray of cooking spray, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes and seasoning them again halfway through to ensure even cooking and flavor.
- Cook the ground beef: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until fully browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
- Season the beef: Stir in the tomato paste, taco seasoning, and a splash of water into the cooked beef. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring to meld the flavors. Once done, remove the pan from heat.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned taco beef, cottage cheese, and fresh avocado slices among four bowls. Drizzle each bowl with hot honey to finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey depending on your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Using 93/7 lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in fat but still flavorful.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit it.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works well.
- Ensure the sweet potato cubes are cut evenly to promote uniform roasting.
