Patrick Simon October 26, 2025

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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Name: Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (93% preferred); 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat); 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 taco seasoning packet (or 2 tbsp homemade); 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste

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Sitting down to a warm, hearty bowl of Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket after a long day. The tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen blends savory ground beef with the sweet heat of hot honey and the comforting richness of roasted sweet potatoes. This delightful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners when you want something that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

What Makes This Special

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The fluffy sweet potatoes offer a light sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory notes of the seasoned beef, creating an orchestra of taste in every bite. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Perfectly balanced flavors that excite your palate
Quick preparation and cooking times
Versatile for every season and occasion
Packed with nutrients and comfort

Gather These Ingredients

To create this delicious bowl, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients that provide both flavor and nutrition. Feel free to swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch; it’s not only healthier but complements the dish beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

1 lb lean ground beef (93% preferred)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 taco seasoning packet (or 2 tbsp homemade)
2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step

Creating your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is easier than you might think! Follow these simple instructions to make a bowl that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven warms up, the anticipation of roasted sweet potatoes fills the air.
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast them in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway through for even crispiness. Imagine the sweet aroma gradually transforming as they soften and caramelize.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and season it with taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, stirring to break it apart. The savory scents as it cooks will tempt your taste buds.
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted, assemble your bowls. Start with a layer of roasted sweet potatoes, then add the seasoned ground beef, followed by slices of creamy avocado and a generous scoop of cottage cheese.
Finally, drizzle hot honey over the top, allowing it to glide through the other ingredients like a sweet ribbon. For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, or a wedge of lime.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 45 minutes, Total ~ 1 hour, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 550 (estimate).

Plan Ahead

If you’re looking to make your busy evenings a little easier, this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is perfect for make-ahead meal prep. You can roast your sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The ground beef can also be cooked ahead of time, allowing you to simply reheat it when you’re ready to assemble your bowls. Just be sure to keep your fresh ingredients like the avocado for serving closer to the time of meal to maintain their freshness.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a breeze! Leftover components should be stored separately for the best flavors and textures.

In the fridge: Store roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef, and cottage cheese in airtight containers for up to four days. Just remember that fresh avocado is best eaten the same day.
In the freezer: You can freeze the ground beef and sweet potatoes for future meals. They will keep well for up to three months. Simply allow them to cool completely before packing.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl by pairing it with a few delightful accompaniments:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Quinoa or brown rice for a heartier base
Pickled vegetables for an added crunch
Fresh fruit like juicy watermelon or citrus slices for dessert
Tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch on the side

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own! Here are some delicious twists you can incorporate into your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl:

Swap the protein: For a lighter option, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.
Different veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or shredded carrots for added color and nutrition.
Couscous or rice substitution: Use couscous or wild rice as a base instead of sweet potatoes for a new texture experience.
Spice it up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to kick the heat factor up a notch.
Dairy alternative: Substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor profile.
Add nuts or seeds: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
Fresh herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro, parsley, or even dill for unique flavor accents.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure the perfect Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use a meat thermometer to check the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly after roasting; this helps them hold their shape better when mixing with other ingredients.
When sautéing onions, be patient! Cooking them slowly brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Keep the sweet potatoes in a single layer while roasting for crispy edges.
Feel free to adjust spices according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you enjoy, such as feta or cheddar, for a different flavor experience.
Is hot honey very spicy? The heat level of hot honey can vary by brand. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, you can replace ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to make a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I do with leftover sweet potatoes? Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be used in salads, as a breakfast hash, or even blended into soups for added creaminess.
How can I adjust for dietary restrictions? This bowl is quite adaptable; just swap ingredients as needed to accommodate dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegetarian diets.

Final Thoughts

The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a delightful dish that combines the comforting elements of home cooking with exciting flavors. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, and the ease of preparation means you can enjoy it even on the busiest of days. So why not gather your ingredients and whip up this heartwarming meal soon? You won’t regret it!

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Author: patrick
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy and hearty bowl featuring savory ground beef, sweet roasted sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, and the sweet heat of hot honey.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
Add the lean ground beef with taco seasoning to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked.
Assemble the bowls: start with roasted sweet potatoes, top with seasoned ground beef, add avocado slices, and a generous scoop of cottage cheese.
Drizzle hot honey over the top and serve.