Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a bold, savory-sweet dish that’s fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It combines seasoned ground beef with a drizzle of spicy hot honey, served over a bed of rice or grains, and topped with crunchy veggies or herbs. The contrast of heat, sweetness, and umami makes this bowl a go-to when I want something exciting but easy to throw together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this bowl because it’s the perfect mix of comfort and kick. The ground beef is juicy and savory, and the hot honey adds a fiery sweetness that takes everything up a notch. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and just the kind of meal I crave when I want something bold without a ton of effort. Whether I’m using it for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner, it always delivers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, chopped

• Soy sauce

• Tomato paste (or ketchup, for a sweeter base)

• Smoked paprika

• Crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)

• Salt and pepper

• Hot honey (store-bought or homemade: honey + hot sauce or chili flakes)

• Cooked rice, quinoa, or grain of choice

• Toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber, avocado, or shredded carrots

Directions

1. I start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. I cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

2. I drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

3. I mix in soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken and soak up flavor.

4. While the beef cooks, I warm up the rice or grain base and prep any toppings I want.

5. Once the beef is ready, I spoon it over the rice and drizzle hot honey generously over the top.

6. I finish with fresh toppings like green onions or cucumbers for crunch and brightness.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

• I use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• For extra heat, I mix some hot sauce directly into the beef or add jalapeños on top.

• I swap rice for cauliflower rice or a salad base for a low-carb option.

• I top it with a fried or soft-boiled egg to make it even more filling.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm the beef in a skillet or microwave until hot. I usually store the rice and toppings separately so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Yes, I use it all the time. If I don’t have any, I mix honey with a few drops of hot sauce or crushed red pepper—it works just as well.

What’s the best type of rice for this bowl?

I like jasmine or basmati rice, but brown rice or even quinoa works great. The beef and sauce pair well with almost anything.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on how much hot honey and red pepper I use. I can easily adjust the spice level to fit my taste.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. I portion the beef and rice into containers and add toppings right before eating. It reheats well and keeps its flavor.

What vegetables go best with it?

I usually add crunchy, fresh toppings like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or chopped lettuce. They balance the heat and richness of the beef.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a quick, fiery, and flavorful meal that I can whip up any night of the week. I love how the sweet heat of the hot honey transforms simple ingredients into something exciting and crave-worthy. It’s easy to adapt, great for leftovers, and full of bold taste in every bite.

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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a bold, savory-sweet dish made with seasoned ground beef, spicy hot honey, and served over rice or grains. Topped with fresh veggies, it’s a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or ketchup)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade: honey + hot sauce or chili flakes)
• 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or grain of choice
• Toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber slices, avocado, shredded carrots

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until browned.
2. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors combine.
4. While beef cooks, warm up rice or grains and prep desired toppings.
5. Spoon cooked beef over rice, then drizzle generously with hot honey.
6. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, cucumbers, avocado, or shredded carrots as desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add extra hot sauce or jalapeños for more heat.
• Swap rice for cauliflower rice or salad greens for a low-carb option.
• Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg for extra protein and richness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg