Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is the ultimate protein-packed comfort meal, combining sweet roasted sweet potatoes, spiced ground beef, creamy toppings, and a bold drizzle of hot honey. Perfect for quick dinners or weekly meal prep, this flavorful bowl is easy to customize and guaranteed to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
This recipe delivers comfort and nutrition in equal measure. With contrasting flavors and textures from crisp roasted vegetables to creamy dairy and zesty heat, it’s anything but boring. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Quick to prepare, with minimal hands-on work
- Layers of bold, balanced flavors
- Easy to customize based on your fridge or cravings
- Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full
- Ideal for meal prep or quick dinners
The first time I made this bowl, it disappeared faster than I expected, now it’s a regular in our rotation!
Ingredients Needed For Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
- Lean Ground Beef (93% lean): Perfect for browning with minimal grease, offering rich flavor and lots of protein.
- Sweet Potatoes: When roasted, they become caramelized and slightly crispy, ideal for hearty base layers.
- Avocado: Creamy and cool, it balances the spice beautifully.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess with a protein boost; go for full-fat if possible.(or swap with Greek yogurt)
- Yellow Onion: Sauteed until soft and sweet, it builds the beef’s savory profile.
- Olive Oil: Helps roast and sauté; use extra virgin for deeper flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade, it’s the backbone of the beef’s flavor.
- Hot Honey: The signature topping, sweet with a touch of fire.
- Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cinnamon): These add warmth, depth, and a hint of sweetness to the potatoes.
- Salt & Pepper: Season generously, these basics make every bite better.
How to Make Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl: Step-by-Step
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Toss peeled and diced sweet potatoes with half the olive oil, plus paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (204°C) for 40–45 minutes, stirring once halfway for even browning.
- The goal: crispy edges and soft centers.
2. Cook the Onion & Beef
- Heat the rest of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft and fragrant, this should take a few minutes.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir until every bite is well-coated and flavorful.
3. Assemble the Bowls
- Layer the roasted sweet potatoes as the base.
- Top with the beef and onion mixture.
- Add avocado slices and a scoop of cottage cheese on the side.
4. Add the Hot Honey
- Just before serving, drizzle hot honey on top, we love using hot honey for that perfect balance of sweet and heat. If you’re into bold flavors, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime juice for a bright finish.
- Optional: garnish with fresh cilantro, red pepper flakes, or a splash of lime for extra brightness.
Tips For The Best Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
- Uniform Sweet Potato Cubes: Ensures even roasting and caramelization.
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and crispier veggies.
- Taste As You Go: Adjust salt, spice, and acidity as you layer the bowl.
- Balance the Textures: Creamy, crispy, savory, and sweet each layer adds contrast.
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Serve Over Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, or farro work great if you want a grain boost.
- Add More Protein: Throw in black beans or edamame for extra bulk.
- Let Guests Customize: Set up a toppings bar so everyone can mix and match.
Ingredient Swaps & Seasonal Spins
- Use Ground Turkey or Plant-Based Crumbles: If you’re avoiding red meat.
- Try Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a tangy swap in place of cottage cheese.
- Swap Sweet Potatoes for Squash or Carrots: Works especially well in colder months.
- Add Summer Ingredients: Grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, or fresh greens can add brightness and crunch.
FAQs About Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
Q: What type of ground beef is best?
A: Go with 93% lean—it has enough fat to stay juicy but not greasy.
Q: Can I replace the cottage cheese?
A: Yes! Greek yogurt or sour cream both work as creamy, tangy alternatives.
Q: How do I roast sweet potatoes properly?
A: Dice evenly, toss in oil and spices, and roast at 400°F for about 40–45 minutes, stirring once.
Q: Can I meal prep this dish?
A: Absolutely. Store each component separately, especially the avocado, and assemble fresh when ready.
Q: What toppings work best?
A: Extra hot honey, chopped herbs, chili flakes, lime juice—all great for an added flavor punch.
What other dishes can I pair this with?
Serve with a side of Easy Cucumber Salad or try layering over rice, similar to our Beef Pepper Rice for a heartier twist.
Final Thoughts
This ground beef hot honey bowl hits all the right notes: comforting, filling, and unexpectedly fun. It’s one of those meals where every bite brings a different combo of sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory. It’s ideal for cozy nights, easy lunches, or batch prepping for the week and most importantly, it’s endlessly adaptable.
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High-Protein Ground Beef & Hot Honey Meal Prep Bowl
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl made with roasted sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, and spiced beef, finished with a drizzle of sweet heat. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or customizable family meals.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (93% lean)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large avocado, sliced
½ cup full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp taco seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp hot honey
Fresh cilantro or red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Add ground beef to the pan. Break it apart as it browns, then stir in taco seasoning. Cook until beef is fully browned and coated.
Assemble the bowl: Start with roasted sweet potatoes, add the beef, avocado slices, and cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
Drizzle hot honey over the top just before serving. Garnish with cilantro, red pepper flakes, or lime juice if desired.
Notes
Store components separately for best freshness when meal prepping.
Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if preferred.
You can replace cottage cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different creamy profile.
Customize toppings like pickled onions, corn, or black beans to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: ground beef hot honey bowl, spicy beef bowl, protein bowl, healthy dinner, meal prep recipe