These Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! With juicy ground beef, vibrant veggies, and a drizzle of hot honey, it’s a real treat for your taste buds.
Honestly, who knew beef could be so exciting? I love how quick and simple it is to whip these up for dinner. Plus, it’s a fun way to spice things up during the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein source. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, consider using lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Sweet Potatoes: They provide sweetness and a nutritious boost. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash work nicely too, but cooking times may vary.
Hot Honey: This adds a sweet and spicy kick to the dish. If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor.
Broccoli or Greens: Broccoli is a great choice for crunch and nutrients. You can replace it with other greens like spinach or kale, which will wilt down nicely when sautéed.
How Do I Properly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic correctly enhances their flavors and is crucial for this dish. Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Adding your diced onion first lets it soften and become translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Once onions are soft, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. It will become fragrant—watch closely, as garlic can burn easily.
- This technique builds a flavorful base for your ground beef and spices.
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
For the Greens:
- 2 cups broccoli or green leafy veggies (like spinach or kale)
For the Drizzle:
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- Greek yogurt
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Fresh herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and about 30 minutes cooking. This includes the roasting time for the sweet potatoes and cooking the beef mixture. It’s a straightforward and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and add some salt and pepper for seasoning. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they are tender and lightly caramelized. Give them a stir halfway through for even cooking!
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
While your sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them around until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked—this will take around 5-7 minutes.
3. Spice It Up!
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another minute to let the spices release their lovely flavors. In the last few minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli or any green leafy veggies you’re using. Sauté them until they are just wilted and tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes more.
4. Assemble Your Bowls:
When your sweet potatoes are done roasting, take them out of the oven. To put your bowls together, start with a generous scoop of the beef mixture as your base. Next, add on those roasted sweet potatoes and your sautéed greens.
5. Finish and Enjoy!
Drizzle hot honey over the top to your liking—this will add that delicious sweet and spicy kick! If you’d like, sprinkle on any of the optional toppings such as Greek yogurt, avocado, or fresh herbs to make it even more special. Serve your bowls warm, and enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Just note that they may take a little less time to cook, so keep an eye on the skillet and adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No problem! You can easily make your own hot honey by mixing regular honey with a dash of hot sauce, or you can use maple syrup or agave nectar with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a similar sweet and spicy effect.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a splash of water can help if it seems a bit dry.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
You sure can! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Also, use olive oil instead of any animal fats and skip the yogurt or sour cream, opting for a vegan version or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor!
