Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl brings together savory seasoned beef with a glossy sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the pan. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in one skillet, delivering 35 grams of protein per serving without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

I started making these bowls on busy weeknights when I wanted something more exciting than plain ground beef but didn’t have time for elaborate recipes. The hot honey sauce transforms simple ingredients into something special. The sweetness balances the savory beef perfectly, while the heat adds just enough kick to keep things interesting. This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl has become my go-to high protein dinner when I need something satisfying that doesn’t require much active cooking time. The best part is how the sauce coats every piece of beef, creating little caramelized bits that add incredible flavor to each bite.

What You’ll Need for Your Hot Honey Beef Bowl

I always use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for this recipe because it provides plenty of protein without excess grease that would make the sauce too oily. The quality of your hot honey makes a real difference here, so grab a good brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup hot honey
• 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati work best – prepare ahead or use leftovers)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Pro tip: If you can’t find hot honey at your store, whisk together 1/4 cup regular honey with 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes and let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep your other ingredients. This gives the heat time to infuse into the honey.

How to Make This Sweet and Spicy Beef Bowl

I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking since this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl comes together quickly once you begin. Make sure your rice is already cooked and warm before starting the beef.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly, about 1 minute.

Step 2: Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to turn translucent and soften.

Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula into small crumbles and cook until browned all over with no pink remaining, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should have nice brown bits throughout. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to remove excess fat.

Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful aromatic fragrance. Don’t let it burn or it will taste bitter.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until completely combined and smooth.

Step 6: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and creates a glossy coating on the beef. The sauce should look syrupy and coat the back of a spoon rather than pooling at the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: To assemble your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl, divide the warm cooked rice between two bowls as your base layer.

Step 8: Top the rice with the hot honey ground beef mixture, distributing it evenly.

Step 9: Garnish with sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

Perfect Pairings for Your Protein Bowl

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is hearty on its own, but certain sides complement the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.

Steamed broccoli: The mild, slightly bitter taste of broccoli balances the sweetness of the hot honey sauce while adding fiber and vitamins.

Cucumber salad: A crisp, refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the beef and provides a cooling contrast to the heat.

Roasted green beans: The caramelized edges on roasted green beans echo the savory-sweet flavors in your bowl while adding a satisfying crunch.

Asian-style slaw: Shredded cabbage with sesame oil and rice vinegar adds crunch and freshness that makes this feel like a complete restaurant meal.

These are some of the best sides for ground beef bowls because they don’t compete with the bold flavors but enhance the overall experience.

More High-Protein Bowl Recipes to Try

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl fits perfectly into a rotation of quick, protein-packed dinners that deliver bold flavors without hours in the kitchen. For another sweet and savory option with Asian-inspired flavors, the Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl offers a similar glaze-style sauce with tender chicken instead of beef. When craving Mexican-inspired bowls, the Loaded Potato Taco Bowl brings seasoned ground beef together with crispy potatoes and all the classic taco toppings.

For variety in high-protein ground meat recipes, explore the Ground Turkey Rice Bowls which offer a leaner alternative with customizable flavors, or try the fusion twist of Steak and Queso Rice that combines tender beef with creamy cheese sauce. These bowl-style meals make excellent weeknight dinners and meal prep options alongside this hot honey beef recipe.

Storing and Reheating Your Hot Honey Bowl

Store the cooked beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend this method because the rice can absorb too much moisture from the beef if stored together, making it mushy. The beef will stay fresh and flavorful for the entire storage period.

To reheat your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl, microwave the beef and rice separately for 1-2 minutes each, or heat them together in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. The sauce may look a bit separated after refrigeration, but it comes back together beautifully once heated. If using refrigerated rice, warm it before assembling your bowl for the best texture.

Pro tip: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch of the beef on Sunday and portion it out into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Just add fresh toppings like avocado and feta when you’re ready to eat. The beef can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Your Hot Honey Beef Bowl Questions Answered

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