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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bold, comforting dinner that balances sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory notes, look no further than the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. This recipe layers tender roasted sweet potatoes, zesty ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, buttery avocado, and a generous drizzle of hot honey to create a healthy, flavor-packed meal. Each bite is a celebration of textures and tastes, perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends with something a little out-of-the-box.

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is refreshingly straightforward. Each component is carefully chosen to bring out the best in the dish—sweet potatoes offer color and sweetness, ground beef delivers hearty protein, while avocado and cottage cheese keep things lush and creamy.

Lean ground beef (1 lb, 93% preferred): The main protein star, providing rich, savory flavor without excess grease.

Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): Roasted for caramelized edges and natural sweetness that balances the spicy honey.
Avocado (1, sliced): The ultimate creamy topping to cool down the touch of heat.

Cottage cheese (1 cup, low-fat or full-fat): Adds tangy richness while sneaking in extra protein.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Essential for building flavor in the beef base.

Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for both roasting and sautéing, imparting a subtle fruitiness.
Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp homemade): Infuses the beef with bold, Tex-Mex flair and a gentle heat.
Hot honey (2 tbsp, store-bought or homemade): The sweet-spicy finish that unifies the whole bowl.

Paprika (1/2 tsp): For a smoky-sweet undertone in the roasted potatoes.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances overall depth and aroma.
Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Just a hint, but crucial for a subtle warmth that works beautifully with the sweet potatoes.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Brings all the flavors together in harmony.

How to Make Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Step 1: Prep and Roast Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes, then toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring air can circulate—this helps them get gorgeously caramelized. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway to make sure all sides get a little golden brown action.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a large skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, letting those savory aromas fill your kitchen. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and cook until the beef is fully browned and infused with spice and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

Once your sweet potatoes are roasted and beef is sizzling with flavor, it’s assembly time! Divide the roasted sweet potatoes among bowls, top with generous spoonfuls of the taco-inspired ground beef, then arrange slices of creamy avocado and dollops of cottage cheese alongside. Every layer brings something special—don’t be shy about making it look as tempting as possible.

Step 4: Finish with Hot Honey

The final flourish is a luscious drizzle of hot honey over the entire bowl. That little bit of sweet heat ties together the savory beef, creamy toppings, and earthy sweet potatoes, elevating this bowl to crave-worthy status. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a wedge of lime if you like an extra pop of freshness.

How to Serve Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishing your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl isn’t just about looks—it’s about rounding out the experience. Fresh cilantro brings brightness, red pepper flakes dial up the heat for spice fans, and a lime wedge adds that citrusy spark that wakes up all the other flavors. Feel free to add thinly sliced scallions or a handful of microgreens for color and crunch.

Side Dishes

To make your meal extra special, serve the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl with sides that complement its bold flavors. Consider warm flour tortillas or tortilla chips for some crunch. A simple side salad with a citrusy vinaigrette or roasted broccoli makes for a nourishing, well-rounded dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re having friends over, turn the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl into a DIY bar. Set out all the components separately and let everyone build their perfect bowl. For an elegant twist, layer the ingredients in mason jars for meal-prep lunches, or even serve them in small cups as a hearty appetizer at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl components store wonderfully in airtight containers. Keep the roasted sweet potatoes, beef, and any extras separate when possible to maintain freshness. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes for up to 2 months. When freezing, use separate containers or freezer bags—just skip freezing the avocado and cottage cheese, as their textures don’t survive well in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot. Add fresh avocado slices and cottage cheese just before serving, along with your classic drizzle of hot honey.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl works beautifully with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist. You might want to add a touch more olive oil to prevent dryness, but the seasoning blend and hot honey will shine with any protein.

Is there a substitute for hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey on hand, just mix your favorite runny honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’s quick, customizable, and gives you control over the heat level!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the cottage cheese for a plant-based ricotta or cashew cheese, and skip the cheese entirely if you prefer. The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is versatile and delicious with or without dairy.

How can I meal prep this recipe?

Prepare all components ahead—roast the sweet potatoes, cook the beef, and chop your toppings. Store everything separately in the fridge, then simply assemble and drizzle with hot honey when hunger strikes. It’s an ideal contender for grab-and-go lunches!

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No problem. You can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of onion powder. Adjust the spice levels to your liking for a custom bowl every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way the spicy honey, savory beef, and luscious toppings come together in the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this bowl promises big flavors and happy hearts. Give it a try—you might just find a new weeknight obsession!