If you’re craving something vibrant, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent, these **Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls** will hit the spot. Packed with a colorful array of flavors and textures, this dish marries spicy, sweet, and savory in the most delightful way possible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Spicy Harmony: The hot honey transforms each bite into a tantalizing mix of heat and sweetness.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is not only quick to make but also keeps well for a few days, making it great for planning ahead.
- Nutritious and Filling: Lean ground beef and hearty sweet potatoes provide a balanced meal full of flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role. The combination of sweet potatoes, lean ground beef, and a spicy drizzle of hot honey creates a bowl that’s rich in taste.
- Sweet Potato: Provides a hearty base and a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
- Lean Ground Beef: A lighter beef option that still packs so much depth and flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a hint of richness and a slightly tangy taste that complements the ground beef.
- Taco Seasoning: Brings exciting and bold flavors to the beef, enhancing its savory notes.
- Hot Honey: The star ingredient that offers a perfect marriage of spicy and sweet.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and protein, balancing out the spice and sweetness perfectly.
- Avocados: Their creamy texture and mild flavor bring everything together in a delightful finish.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences. Here are some suggestions to make these Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls your own.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
- Different Proteins: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist on the traditional beef bowl.
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Diced sweet potatoes need love too—lightly spray them with cooking spray, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a touch of cinnamon. Roast these vibrant cubes for about 30 minutes, giving them a flip and re-season halfway through until they’re golden and tender.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Beef
As the sweet potatoes roast, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart for full coverage. In about five minutes, when it’s just done, drain excess liquid. Stir in the tomato paste, taco seasoning, and a splash of water, letting it all mingle for another couple of minutes. Then, it’s heat off and ready!
Step 3: Assemble Your Bowls
Now for the fun part—assembling! Layer your bowls with those roasted sweet potatoes, savory taco beef, creamy cottage cheese, and ripe avocados. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of hot honey that ties all the flavors together. Pure magic in a bowl!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
- Heat Control: Adjust the spiciness of your hot honey by starting with a small amount and gradually adding more to your liking.
- Perfect Roast: For evenly roasted sweet potatoes, make sure they’re spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Freshness is Key: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best texture and flavor.
- Batch Cooking: Double the taco beef portion and freeze half for a quick meal another day.
How to Serve Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions can add a burst of herbaceous freshness. You can also add a dash of lime juice for an extra zesty kick.
Side Dishes
These bowls are so wholesome that you might not need an extra side, but a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli would complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl. Alternating the colors between the layers gives each serving a visual flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. The bowls will keep well for up to three days, making them perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes separately. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen components gently in a frying pan or microwave, ensuring they’re heated through but careful not to overcook them.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of honey?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use regular honey and add a bit of red pepper flakes for heat. Adjust the spiciness to your liking.
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Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, feel free to use a non-dairy yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.
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How can I make the dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of hot honey or use mild honey instead, if you prefer a milder taste.
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What’s a good substitute for sweet potato?
Butternut squash or regular potatoes can work as great alternatives, offering a different twist on texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a delightful dance of flavors that promise to spice up your meal routine. Try them out and savor how each bite hits all the right notes—spicy, sweet, and oh-so-savory. Happy cooking!
Print
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful and hearty dish combining roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, fresh avocado, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey for a perfect balanced meal. It’s quick to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs sweet potato (680 g), peeled and diced into ~1/4″ cubes
Seasonings for Sweet Potatoes
- Salt, pepper, cinnamon, to taste
Ground Beef
- 1 lb 93/7 lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (16 g)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water (a splash, approximately 1-2 tbsp)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups 2% low fat cottage cheese (452 g)
- 4 small avocados (400 g)
- 2 tbsp hot honey (42 g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a light spray of cooking spray, salt, pepper, and a little cinnamon. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake sweet potatoes: Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even roasting. Re-season if necessary after flipping.
- Cook the ground beef: While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess liquid if needed.
- Add seasonings to beef: Stir in tomato paste, taco seasoning, a splash of water (about 1-2 tbsp), and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide roasted sweet potatoes between bowls. Top with the seasoned ground beef, followed by a generous scoop of cottage cheese, and slices of fresh avocado.
- Finish with hot honey: Drizzle hot honey over the assembled bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular white or yellow potatoes if preferred.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime over the bowls before serving.
- This dish can be customized with additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
- To make it vegan, substitute the beef with plant-based grounds and use dairy-free cottage cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
