Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a delightful meal that combines the savory flavors of seasoned beef with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. It’s topped off with creamy cottage cheese and ripe avocado, and finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Why You Will Love This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It uses everyday ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. The prep is minimal, and the cooking process is quick. Plus, it’s highly adaptable, making it great for families with different tastes. Everyone will enjoy the sweet and spicy combination.

How to Make Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Making this meal is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You start by roasting sweet potatoes in the oven while cooking the ground beef on the stovetop. Once everything is cooked, it’s all about layering the ingredients in a bowl.

What You Need

1 lb lean ground beef (93% preferred)
2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
1 large avocado (sliced just before serving)
1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
1 yellow onion (diced)
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
2 tbsp hot honey
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)

Step-by-Step

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes, stirring once halfway through until fork-tender with caramelized edges.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat, stir in taco seasoning, and cook for 2 minutes more until fragrant.

Once everything is ready, assemble bowls by layering warm roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, sliced avocado, and cottage cheese. Drizzle with hot honey to taste and serve immediately for the best temperature contrast.

How to Serve Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for a heartier meal. Want extra crunch? Top with some chopped nuts or seeds. Serve it for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, and watch everyone come back for seconds.

How to Store Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

To store your leftovers, place them in airtight containers. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, make sure the meal is completely cooled, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave until heated through or can be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to cut sweet potatoes evenly for even cooking.
Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your preference.
Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Make your own taco seasoning if you want to control the salt and spices.
Adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your taste; it’s a great way to customize the spice level.
Remember to stir the sweet potatoes halfway to avoid uneven roasting.
If you add too much hot honey, balance it with extra cottage cheese.

Variations & Swaps

For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with black beans or lentils seasoned the same way.
Try different sweeteners if you don’t have hot honey; maple syrup or regular honey mixed with chili flakes works well too.
Swap out sweet potatoes with quinoa or brown rice for a grain bowl version.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and ground beef in advance. Simply store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, heat them up and assemble the bowls.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the hot honey bowl cool completely before freezing. Store it in airtight containers, and it will keep well for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the bowl?
For best results, reheat in the microwave for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, you can replace it with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt for a creamy texture.

What is a common mistake to avoid?
A common mistake is overcooking the ground beef. Make sure to remove it from the heat as soon as there’s no pink left to keep it tender.