Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

I’ve fallen head over heels for this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour. This viral TikTok recipe combines taco-seasoned ground beef with caramelized sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and a drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey for a meal that packs over 30 grams of protein per serving. I first tried making this on a hectic Tuesday night when I needed something quick but satisfying, and now it’s on permanent rotation in my weekly meal prep.

The first time I made this hot honey bowl recipe, I was skeptical about the cottage cheese situation. But once I tasted how the cool, creamy cottage cheese balanced the warm, spiced beef and the sweet heat from the honey, I was completely sold. This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl has become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but keeps me fueled for hours. The combination of textures and temperatures makes every bite interesting, and the prep is simple enough that I can chat with my kids while I cook.

Everything You Need for Your Hot Honey Bowl

I always use 93% lean ground beef for this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl because it gives you maximum protein without leaving a puddle of grease in your skillet. Pro tip: if you can only find 85% lean, just drain it really well after browning.

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% preferred for best protein-to-fat ratio)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 large avocado, sliced just before serving
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, both work beautifully)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 taco seasoning packet (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
• 2 tablespoons hot honey
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Personal tip: I buy my hot honey from the store, but you can easily make your own by warming regular honey with red pepper flakes. For the cottage cheese, I prefer full-fat because it’s creamier, but low-fat works great if you’re watching calories.

How to Make This Sweet and Spicy Bowl

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until every cube is evenly coated. The cinnamon might seem odd, but it brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.

Step 2: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not crowded or they’ll steam instead of roast. Slide them into the oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, stirring once at the halfway point. You’re looking for fork-tender potatoes with crispy, caramelized edges that smell amazing.

Step 3: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent with golden edges. The kitchen should smell sweet and savory at this point.

Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. This is important for the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl because you want small, tender crumbles, not big chunks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the internal temperature hits 160°F. If you’re using leaner beef like I suggest, there should be minimal fat to drain. If there is excess grease, drain it now.

Step 5: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes more to let the spices bloom and coat every piece of meat. The aroma of cumin and chili powder should fill your kitchen. Pro tip: if you’re making your own taco seasoning, use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor.

Step 6: Assemble your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl by layering warm roasted sweet potatoes as the base, then the seasoned ground beef, followed by sliced avocado and a generous scoop of cottage cheese. Drizzle hot honey over everything to taste. I usually start with about 1/2 tablespoon per bowl and let people add more if they want extra heat. Serve immediately while the beef and potatoes are still warm so you get that amazing temperature contrast with the cold cottage cheese.

Pro tip: If you find cottage cheese texture off-putting, blend it in a food processor for 30 seconds until it’s smooth and sauce-like. It changes the game completely.

The Best Sides for Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is already a complete meal, but these sides complement the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.

Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens all the rich flavors and cuts through the sweetness of the hot honey. The acidity balances everything beautifully.

Chopped fresh cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, herbaceous note that pairs naturally with the taco-seasoned beef. It’s especially good if you love Mexican-inspired flavors.

Pickled red onions: The tangy crunch of pickled onions adds another layer of flavor and texture. They’re amazing against the creamy cottage cheese and work particularly well in the summer.

Cottage cheese flatbread: For when you want to stretch the meal further, a side of warm flatbread is perfect for scooping up all those delicious flavors.

Chickpea beet and feta salad: This adds extra vegetables and fiber to your meal, plus the earthy beets play nicely with the sweet potatoes for a satisfying, colorful plate.

More Flavorful Ground Beef Bowls and Skillets to Try

If you love the sweet heat of this ground beef hot honey bowl, explore more delicious ways to enjoy seasoned beef in satisfying one-dish meals. For another bold Asian-inspired flavor experience, try my Korean Ground Beef Bowl featuring a perfect balance of savory gochujang and sweet sesame notes that comes together just as quickly.

When craving something with Mexican flair, my Mexican Ground Beef and Potato Skillet delivers hearty comfort with warm spices and tender potatoes. For a protein-packed meal with a touch of sweetness, the Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet offers similar satisfying flavors with nutritious sweet potatoes.

Keeping Your Hot Honey Bowl Fresh

Your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl components store best when kept separately. I recommend portioning the roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned beef, and cottage cheese into individual airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this perfect for meal prep.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat only the sweet potatoes and ground beef portions. You can use the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat. The cottage cheese and avocado should always be added fresh and cold for the best taste and texture.

Pro tip: I like to prep double batches of the beef and sweet potatoes on Sunday, then assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. The hot honey keeps indefinitely at room temperature, so you can drizzle it on right before eating. If you want to get really fancy, pack everything in Mason jars with the sweet potatoes on the bottom, beef in the middle, and cottage cheese on top for grab-and-go lunches.

Common Questions About Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

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