Name: Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 1/2 cups cubed sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; Avocado oil spray; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 Tablespoon tomato paste; 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning; 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese; 1 large avocado (or 2 small), sliced; 4 Tablespoons hot honey

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 65 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that hits all the right notes of sweet, spicy, and savory with a hearty punch of protein, then you’re going to absolutely love this Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe. It’s become one of my all-time favorites because it brings together unique flavors and textures in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Picture tender roasted sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon, seasoned ground beef bursting with spices, creamy cottage cheese, buttery avocado slices, and just the perfect drizzle of hot honey to tie it all together. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic dinner option for busy weeknights or whenever you want something satisfying yet simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a gray baking tray filled with many pieces of roasted sweet potato. The pieces are cut into small, uneven cubes with soft edges and a bright orange color. Some pieces have light brown spots from baking, and a few are slightly darker or broken into smaller bits. Small drops of oil glisten on the sweet potatoes and the tray surface. The whole tray is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem simple at first glance, but each one plays an essential role in creating the delicious layers of taste and texture that make this Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe so irresistible. From the sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes to the creamy coolness of avocado and cottage cheese, every element is carefully chosen.

4 1/2 cups cubed sweet potatoes: Roasted to caramelized perfection, they provide a naturally sweet and hearty base.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering the dish.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warmth and an unexpected depth to the sweet potatoes.
1 pound lean ground beef: The protein powerhouse that’s lovingly spiced and cooked for richness.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Gives the beef a tangy sweetness and helps create a saucy texture.
1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Brings out a bold, zesty flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang without weighing the dish down.
1 large avocado (or 2 small): Offers silky smoothness and healthy fats that balance the spiciness.
4 tablespoons hot honey: The star ingredient that delivers that addictive sweet-heat combo you’ll keep coming back for.

How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, toss your cubed sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet and spray them lightly with avocado oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and just a pinch of cinnamon to give those potatoes a beautifully fragrant warmth. Give everything a good mix so each cube is coated evenly. Roast those sweet potatoes for about 30 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through so they brown on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender inside with a slightly crisp exterior that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

While the potatoes do their magic in the oven, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef and let it brown beautifully. As it cooks, stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. The tomato paste deepens the flavor, slightly sweetening the beef, while the taco seasoning ensures every bite has a punch of bold spices. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the mixture is thick and hearty, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Toppings

While your sweet potatoes roast and the beef sizzles, slice up your ripe avocado into smooth, creamy wedges and measure out the cottage cheese. These toppings will bring a lovely balance of creaminess and freshness to your bowls—one of the reasons this Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe works so well.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Now comes the fun part! In each bowl, layer a generous helping of your roasted sweet potatoes and spoon over the seasoned ground beef. Add a scoop of cottage cheese alongside for creaminess and position those luscious avocado slices right on top. Don’t forget the final touch—a generous drizzle of hot honey across everything. The honey adds a glistening sweet heat that perfectly complements the layers below and somehow makes every bite irresistible.

How to Serve Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe

A white bowl contains four main layers arranged side by side: on the left is a pile of cooked ground beef with a crumbly texture and dark brown color; next to it are small cubes of roasted sweet potatoes, showing a mix of bright orange and slightly charred edges; on the top right is a generous scoop of white cottage cheese with a lumpy texture, drizzled lightly with a golden sauce; finally, on top of the roasted sweet potatoes and beef, several slices of fresh avocado are fanned out, showing smooth, light green flesh with a few red pepper flakes sprinkled on top. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your bowls, consider sprinkling some toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch or fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of herbaceous brightness. A squeeze of lime juice also complements the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully by adding a zesty lift.

Side Dishes

This dish really shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a light leafy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts would pair wonderfully. These sides add a contrasting texture and fresh flavors that balance the richness of the bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

Try building these bowls in mason jars for a portable lunch option or as a fun presentation for guests at your next dinner party. Layer the ingredients for a colorful, Instagram-worthy meal that tastes just as good as it looks. You can also swap the sweet potatoes for cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that keeps things exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though many of us won’t!), place the individual components in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness—especially the avocado, which can brown if left out. Stored this way, your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe ingredients will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

The roasted sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef freeze really well, making this a perfect make-ahead meal. Freeze them separately in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the sweet potatoes and beef gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Then assemble with fresh cottage cheese, avocado, and a drizzle of hot honey for that just-made experience. Avoid reheating the avocado to keep it creamy and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use another type of honey instead of hot honey?

Absolutely! If you don’t have hot honey on hand, you can mix regular honey with a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to achieve a similar sweet-heat flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef?

You can, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Ground turkey or chicken works well if you’re looking for a leaner option, just make sure to season it well to keep the bold flavors alive.

How spicy is the Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe?

The spice level is pleasantly mild to moderate thanks to the hot honey, which combines sweetness with a gentle heat. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more hot honey or some extra chili flakes to taste.

Can I make these bowls vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms seasoned nicely with taco seasoning for a satisfying vegetarian alternative that still delivers on flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor, packed with protein, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week, the Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls Recipe is an absolute winner. Once you try this combination of sweet roasted potatoes, zesty spiced beef, creamy avocado, and that irresistible drizzle of hot honey, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved dish for so many. Give it a go—you might just find a new favorite meal to make over and over again!