These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy ground beef is cooked with a hint of honey and spices, making each bite super flavorful.
It’s a fun meal that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. I love serving mine over rice with some veggies on the side. Perfect for weeknight dinners—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish! Choose lean ground beef for a lighter option, or go for a fattier blend for richer flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer less fat.
Honey: The honey adds a chewy sweetness. If you’re avoiding honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can work as great substitutes in equal measures, maintaining that sweet touch.
Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes add a lovely creaminess when roasted. If you don’t have them, consider using regular potatoes, squash, or even bell peppers for roasting instead.
Eggs: I love adding a fried egg for richness. If you’re vegan, try a tofu scramble or simply skip it altogether for a lighter bowl.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes is straightforward but does require a little patience. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Preheat your oven first, ensuring it’s nice and hot to caramelize the edges.
- Cut sweet potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking. Too big and they take too long; too small and they may burn.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer, so they roast and don’t steam.
- Keep an eye on them while roasting—give them a stir halfway through to ensure even browning!
With these tips, you’ll have well-roasted sweet potatoes that complement your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls perfectly!
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes for garnish
Estimated Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and 30 minutes cooking, which includes roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the beef and eggs. A quick and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
3. Add the Sauce:
Stir in the soy sauce, honey, chili flakes, and sriracha (if using) into the beef mixture. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili flakes depending on your spice preference.
4. Fry the Eggs:
In a separate small pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and fry them sunny side up until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
To put it all together, divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked ground beef, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and feta cheese. Finally, place a fried egg on each bowl.
6. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with red chili flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors!
This recipe makes about 2-3 servings and is a filling, delicious meal where the hot honey glaze on the beef stands out beautifully paired with the creamy avocado and flavorful sweet potatoes.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as turkey can cook a bit faster. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work wonderfully with the sweet and spicy sauce!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of chili flakes and omit the sriracha. You can also add a little extra honey to balance the heat with sweetness, or top the bowls with sour cream or yogurt for creaminess!
What Other Vegetables Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini would be fantastic additions. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time to ensure all veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!