GROUND BEEF HOT HONEY ULTIMATE BOWL

Craving something sweet, spicy, and satisfying all in one bowl? This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. It’s unbelievably easy to make and will quickly become a weeknight staple. Trust me, you’re about to discover your new favorite way to enjoy protein-packed ground beef!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works great!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite brand), adjust to your spice preference
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bowl Assembly

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa work well)
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, a drizzle of sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started

1. First things first, cook your rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, you can start preparing the ground beef and hot honey sauce. This is one of those easy summer dinners high protein that comes together so quickly when you multi-task!

Cook the Ground Beef

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
4. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Cook until the ground beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce

3. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the honey!

Combine and Simmer

4. Pour the hot honey sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet.
5. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for that amazing flavor! Don’t skip it.

Assemble the Bowls

5. Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
6. Top with the hot honey ground beef.
7. Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
8. Add any optional toppings you like, such as chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of sesame oil.

Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Choosing Your Ground Beef

The type of ground beef you choose can impact the flavor and texture of your bowl. I prefer using an 80/20 blend, which has a good amount of fat for flavor but isn’t too greasy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use 90/10 ground beef, but you might want to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet to prevent it from drying out. You can even use ground turkey or chicken, though the flavor will be different. For more incredible protein ground beef recipes, try the Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole.

Adjusting the Spice Level

The amount of hot sauce you use in the hot honey sauce will determine the spice level of your bowl. Start with 1 tablespoon and taste. If you want more heat, add another tablespoon or two. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount you use.

Getting Creative with Toppings

The toppings are where you can really customize your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. Avocado adds creaminess, green onions add a fresh bite, and sesame seeds add a nutty flavor. Other great topping options include chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, a drizzle of sesame oil, pickled onions, or even some crumbled cheese. Think about what flavors and textures you enjoy and experiment! Don’t forget the beauty of a perfectly cooked egg on top as well.

Make it Ahead

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the ground beef and hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the beef and assemble the bowls. You can also cook the rice ahead of time. Just be sure to store it properly to prevent it from drying out. This is one of those easy dinner ideas high protein that you can whip up in minutes!

Variations to Try

Spicy Peanut Ground Beef Bowl

For a nutty and spicy twist, add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the hot honey sauce. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami flavor. Top with chopped peanuts and shredded carrots for added crunch.

Teriyaki Ground Beef Bowl

Swap out the hot honey sauce for teriyaki sauce. You can either use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make your own. Top with steamed broccoli and edamame for a healthy and delicious bowl.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the hot honey sauce for a spicy and savory flavor. Top with kimchi, shredded carrots, and a fried egg for an authentic Korean-inspired bowl. If you love this idea, then the Egg Roll In A Bowl is also right up your alley!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl lies in the perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the honey is balanced by the heat of the hot sauce, while the apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tanginess. The ground beef provides a hearty and satisfying base, while the rice and toppings add texture and freshness. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Plus, it’s a high protein meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good bowl? They’re easy to customize, quick to assemble, and perfect for using up leftovers. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. So go ahead, experiment with different toppings, sauces, and variations until you find your perfect combination.

If you’re looking for other flavorful ground beef options, you might enjoy the Crack Burgers Recipe for a savory treat or the Spicy Hot Honey Beef Bowl for another twist on the hot honey flavor profile. Perhaps even the Firecracker Ground Chicken Bowl might catch your interest!

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. It’s also great for potlucks or parties. Just prepare the ground beef and hot honey sauce ahead of time and let your guests assemble their own bowls. And for a delightful dessert, consider the Hot Honey Feta Chicken for a similar flavor but entirely different application!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal that you’ll be proud to share with your friends and family. Enjoy!

Ground Beef Hot Honey Ultimate Bowl

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Featuring protein-packed ground beef coated in a delicious hot honey sauce, served over rice with fresh toppings, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup honey
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce sriracha or your favorite brand
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or quinoa
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• Optional: chopped cilantro
• Optional: lime juice
• Optional: sesame oil

Instructions

 

• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
• Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Cook until ground beef is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
• In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the honey!
• Pour the hot honey sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet.
• Stir to coat the beef evenly.
• Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
• Top with the hot honey ground beef.
• Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
• Add any optional toppings you like, such as chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a drizzle of sesame oil.

Notes

For a leaner option, use 90/10 ground beef, adding extra olive oil. Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference. Get creative with toppings like pickled onions or crumbled cheese. For a spicy peanut variation, add peanut butter and soy sauce to the sauce. The cooked ground beef and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.