These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of spicy and sweet! With seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies, every bite hits the right spot.
I love how quick they are to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little spice in their life? 🌶️ Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star protein of the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian-friendly version, use lentils or crumbled tempeh instead.
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and creaminess. You can swap them for regular potatoes, but I love sweet potatoes for their extra nutrients. Other options could be butternut squash or carrots.
Hot Honey: This sauce is key for kick and sweetness! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to create a similar flavor profile.
Leafy Greens: I prefer spinach for its mild taste, but you can use any greens like kale or arugula. If you want a crunchy option, romaine is great too!
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Just Right?
Roasting sweet potatoes well can really elevate your dish. To get that golden, tender texture, make sure you follow these steps:
- Dice them into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this allows for proper roasting.
- Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
Also, remember to check them around the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking! Keeping them a little soft is key. Enjoy those caramelized edges!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli, blanched
- 4 cups leafy greens (such as romaine or spinach)
- 1/4 cup hot honey
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Additional hot honey
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 35-40 minutes total for this recipe! This includes about 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes while cooking the beef. It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season them with salt and pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and tender. Don’t forget to turn them halfway through to get that nice color on both sides!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, take a large skillet and heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season the meat with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook it for about 7-10 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to cook evenly.
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
Now, let’s get the broccoli ready! In a small pot, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli. Blanch it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s bright green and tender. Once done, drain the broccoli and set it aside.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
It’s time to put everything together! Start with a handful of leafy greens at the bottom of each bowl. Add a hearty scoop of cooked ground beef, some roasted sweet potatoes, and a portion of blanched broccoli on top.
5. Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Last but not least, drizzle hot honey over each bowl according to your taste preferences—more if you love it spicy and sweet!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your bowls warm and feel free to add optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra hot honey. Grab a fork and dig in—enjoy your delicious hot honey ground beef bowls!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Season it similarly for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing regular honey with a bit of hot sauce to taste. Start with a tablespoon of hot sauce mixed into 1/4 cup of honey, and adjust according to your spice preference. Alternatively, a drizzle of sriracha or any spicy sauce can work well!
How Should I Store Leftover Bowls?
Store leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef and sweet potatoes on the stove or microwave, and serve over fresh leafy greens to keep them crisp!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Bowls?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you like or have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas. Just blanch or roast them as needed to complement the dish and add even more nutrition!
