Hot Honey Beef Bowl
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl discovers the magic of sweet heat in a protein-packed dish, let me introduce you to this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. It’s one of those viral hot honey ground beef bowls that took social media by storm, and for good reason.
Between the roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, savory taco-seasoned beef, and a drizzle of fiery-sweet hot honey, this bowl is balanced, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying.
For anyone looking for quick and healthy high protein meals, especially busy weeknights, this is your answer. It’s cozy, nutrient-rich, and perfect for both dinner and easy healthy work lunches.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine Type | American Fusion |
| Best Season | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed goodness: With lean ground beef and cottage cheese, you get a nutrient-dense bowl loaded with protein, perfect for quick and healthy meal prep.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet roasted potatoes, spicy hot honey, creamy avocado, and savory beef come together in harmony.
- Meal prep friendly: Make components ahead, store separately, and you’ve got healthy hot meals ready all week.
- Customizable: From spice levels to toppings, you can adapt this recipe to fit your taste.
- Comfort with a twist: It’s warm, hearty, and comforting, but with a trendy viral flair.
Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl blends spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with lean beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and a creamy touch of cottage cheese. A high-protein, quick, and healthy meal prep star.
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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway.
2. In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef, sprinkle in taco seasoning, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula, about 8 minutes.
4. Divide roasted sweet potatoes among bowls. Add ground beef on top, followed by sliced avocado and cottage cheese.
5. Drizzle with hot honey and garnish with cilantro, red pepper flakes, or lime wedge if desired.
Notes
Blend cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
Adjust hot honey to control spice level.
Store components separately for best texture when reheating.
Makes a great high-protein meal prep dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 32g
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
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Ground beef | Use 93% lean for lower fat but keep flavor. Substitute ground turkey for lighter protein bowls dinner. |
| Sweet potatoes | Roast until caramelized for best texture. White potatoes or butternut squash also work. |
| Cottage cheese | Blend for extra creaminess. Greek yogurt is a good alternative. |
| Taco seasoning | Homemade gives better control over salt and spice. |
| Hot honey | Adjust heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes when making homemade. |
| Avocado | Add just before serving to keep it fresh and green. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef, sprinkle in taco seasoning, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula, about 8 minutes.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide roasted sweet potatoes among bowls. Add ground beef on top, followed by sliced avocado and a scoop of cottage cheese.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: Finish with a drizzle of hot honey. Garnish with cilantro, red pepper flakes, or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes into even pieces so they roast evenly.
- Taste-test your hot honey drizzle before serving to adjust sweetness or spice.
- Keep components separate if meal prepping to maintain the best textures.
- Always slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Roast sweet potatoes longer if you want extra crisp edges, as caramelization brings out their natural sweetness.
- For creamier cottage cheese, blend it in a food processor before adding it to the bowls.
- Use a cast iron skillet for ground beef to get deeper browning and richer flavor.
- Warm your bowls slightly before assembly to keep the dish hot when serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños to the beef mixture and increase hot honey for a fiery kick.
- Lighter version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and use fat-free cottage cheese.
- Vegetarian version: Replace beef with black beans or lentils seasoned with taco mix for high iron and protein meals.
- Tex-Mex style: Add corn, black beans, and shredded cheese for a fuller, hearty bowl.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
For meal prep, roast sweet potatoes and cook beef ahead of time. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze beef for up to 3 months. Sweet potatoes can be frozen too, but their texture softens, so reheat them in the oven for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bowls hot with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro. Arrange toppings neatly for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentation. A side of tortilla chips adds a crunchy contrast.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with sparkling water or lime-infused iced tea for refreshment. For an adult twist, a light red wine or crisp lager pairs beautifully. Serve with a side salad or Mexican-style street corn for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store each component separately in the fridge for best texture. Reheat sweet potatoes and beef in the oven or stovetop until hot. Cottage cheese and avocado should always be added fresh after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey? Yes, regular honey works, but you’ll miss the spicy kick. Add chili flakes to mimic hot honey.
Can I meal prep this recipe? Absolutely, it’s one of the best quick and healthy meal prep options. Just store ingredients separately.
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, replace cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative or mashed avocado.
What’s the best way to reheat? Reheat beef and sweet potatoes in a skillet or oven for best texture. Microwave is faster but may soften potatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, just ensure your taco seasoning and hot honey are certified gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, easily double everything to serve a crowd or have extra for the week.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes? Butternut squash or roasted carrots are excellent swaps with a similar sweetness.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 bowl |
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is proof that quick healthy high protein meals can be exciting, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Try it once, and you’ll be adding it to your regular healthy dinner ideas rotation.
