A Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a flavorful dish made with seasoned ground beef, hot honey, and a base like rice or quinoa. It is easy to prepare and combines sweet and spicy flavors in one bowl. This dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
You will love this recipe because it is simple, fast, and full of taste. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors makes every bite exciting. Even beginners can make it in under 30 minutes.
The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl can be customized with vegetables or toppings. It is high in protein and pairs well with rice or greens. This meal is great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
What Is a Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl?
A Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy dish served over rice, quinoa, or greens. It combines seasoned ground beef with a drizzle of hot honey, fresh vegetables, and optional toppings like green onions or sesame seeds.
This dish became popular because it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, and it works well as a family dinner, meal prep option, or a satisfying solo meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For 4 Servings:
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1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
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Fresh herbs or green onions for garnish
Optional Toppings:
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Sesame seeds
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Sliced avocado
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Shredded carrots
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Pickled vegetables
These ingredients combine to create a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. You can adjust the amount of hot honey or chili flakes based on your preferred heat level.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop the onion and garlic, measure your hot honey, and cook your rice or quinoa. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and stress-free.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
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Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
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Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Add the Hot Honey and Soy Sauce
Stir in soy sauce and hot honey. Let the mixture cook for 1–2 minutes so the flavors combine. Taste and adjust seasoning or sweetness if needed.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Divide cooked rice or your chosen base into bowls. Spoon the hot honey beef mixture over the top. Add fresh garnishes like green onions, sesame seeds, or avocado slices.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm as a satisfying dinner or a hearty lunch. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
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Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease while keeping the meat tender.
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Adjust the honey and spice gradually. Start with 1 tablespoon of hot honey if you prefer mild heat.
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Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the garlic or onion, which can make the dish bitter.
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Meal prep friendly: Store cooked beef and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat and drizzle with fresh hot honey before serving.
These tips come from hands-on cooking experience and help ensure the dish is flavorful every time.
Nutrition Benefits
A typical serving provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats:
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Calories: ~450 per serving (with rice and hot honey)
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Protein: 28–30g
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Carbohydrates: 40–45g
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Fat: 18–20g (depends on ground beef and oil used)
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Fiber: 2–4g (higher if served with vegetables)
This makes the dish suitable for a hearty, balanced meal that keeps you full and energized. Using lean beef and fresh vegetables improves the nutrient profile further.
Flavor Variations to Try
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Spicy Korean style: Add gochujang paste and sesame oil instead of chili flakes.
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Sweet-savory: Mix brown sugar with honey for a deeper sweetness.
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Veggie boost: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrients.
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Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
These variations allow flexibility for dietary preferences or flavor experimentation.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well, but the cooking time may be slightly shorter, and the flavor will be milder.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your hot honey and chili flakes. Start with a small amount if you prefer mild heat.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Cooked beef can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat and drizzle with fresh hot honey before serving.
4. What can I serve this with?
Rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens all work well. You can also add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely. Add more or less hot honey to suit your taste. Start with 1–2 tablespoons and adjust gradually.
Final Thoughts
The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a simple, delicious, and versatile meal that balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick lunch. Try adding your favorite vegetables or toppings to make it your own.
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore other easy bowl meals and learn more tips for quick, flavorful dinners that your whole family will love.