Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl – Sweet, Spicy High-Protein Dinner

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something fast, filling, and seriously flavorful. With savory ground beef glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together quickly.

I started making this bowl on crazy weeknights when I needed dinner on the table fast but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor. The combination of sweet hot honey with savory beef creates this incredible balance that my whole family loves. It’s become one of those recipes I make at least twice a month because it’s quick, satisfying, and packed with about 45g of protein per serving. The Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is proof that healthy, delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Plus, the customizable toppings mean everyone can make it their own. This recipe makes 2 generous bowls.

What You’ll Need for Your Hot Honey Beef Bowl

I always use 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef for this recipe because it gives you plenty of flavor without excess grease. Pro tip: if you want to make it even lighter, ground turkey works beautifully with the hot honey sauce too.

• 1 lb ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 recommended for best flavor and texture)
• 1 tbsp olive oil, avocado oil, or other neutral oil
• 1/2 cup diced sweet onion (yellow or Vidalia work great)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup hot honey (adjust based on your spice preference – I sometimes add a bit more)
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown – I prefer jasmine rice for its texture, should be prepared ahead)
• 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

My ingredient tip: The quality of your hot honey really matters here. I prefer Mike’s Hot Honey, but any brand with a good balance of sweet and spicy will work perfectly in this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Bowl

I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking since this recipe moves quickly once you begin.

Step 1: Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat for 30-60 seconds until it shimmers.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. You want some nice caramelization on the meat for extra flavor. If using 80/20 beef, drain excess fat. For 90/10 or leaner, draining is usually unnecessary.

Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Pro tip: don’t let the garlic burn or it will taste bitter.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Make sure the honey is well combined with the soy sauce for an even coating.

Step 5: Pour the hot honey sauce over the ground beef mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the beef beautifully. The sauce should bubble gently, smell sweet and savory, and become glossy, sticking to the meat.

Step 6: To assemble your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl, divide the cooked rice among two bowls. I like to pack the rice down slightly so it forms a nice base.

Step 7: Top the rice with the hot honey ground beef mixture, making sure to get some of that delicious sauce in each bowl. Garnish generously with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

The Best Sides to Serve with Hot Honey Beef Bowls

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is pretty complete on its own, but these pairings take it to the next level.

Steamed Edamame: The mild, slightly sweet flavor of edamame complements the spicy-sweet beef perfectly and adds extra protein and fiber to your meal.

Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil cuts through the richness of the beef and provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm bowl.

Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with a bit of sesame oil and roast until crispy. The earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory ground beef hot honey bowl.

Miso Soup: A light miso soup on the side makes this feel like a complete restaurant-style meal and adds warmth without heaviness.

Kimchi: If you love bold flavors, kimchi brings a tangy, fermented kick that balances the sweetness of the hot honey beautifully.

More Protein-Packed Bowl Recipes You’ll Love

These Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowls are perfect for busy weeknights, and they pair wonderfully with other quick, high-protein bowl recipes. For another Asian-inspired option with bold flavors, try the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl, which offers a similar sweet and savory profile. The Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is another excellent choice that combines creamy, smoky flavors with lean protein for a satisfying meal.

When you’re looking for variety in your meal prep rotation, the Chipotle Chicken Bowl delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors with customizable toppings, while the Ground Turkey Rice Bowls offer a leaner protein option that’s just as versatile. For a tropical twist, the Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl brings creamy coconut flavors that complement the bold hot honey sauce beautifully.

How to Store Your Hot Honey Ground Beef

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is perfect for meal prep. I recommend storing the ground beef mixture and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro separate until you’re ready to serve.

For reheating, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it to prevent drying out. Add fresh toppings right before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Pro tip: this recipe freezes beautifully. I freeze the ground beef mixture in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. The rice and fresh toppings should be made fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Your Hot Honey Bowl Questions Answered

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