Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl brings together warm roasted sweet potatoes, savory lean beef, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh avocado, creating a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet bright and full of flavor.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening craving something hearty but not heavy. Now it’s a go-to because everyone loves how the hot honey adds just the right touch of sweet heat.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: One pound Use 93 percent lean to keep the dish flavorful without too much fat
• Sweet Potatoes: Two medium Their natural sweetness balances the spiciness pick firm, unblemished potatoes for best roasting results
• Cottage Cheese: One cup Adds a creamy texture and a mild tang blending it can make it even silkier
• Avocado: One medium Provides richness and freshness select ripe but firm fruit to slice easily
• Hot Honey: Two tablespoons The star for that spicy-sweet finish adjust the amount to control heat level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius. Dice sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and caramelize nicely.

Roasting Sweet Potatoes:

Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a bit of oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow maximum crisping. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through for even cooking.

Cooking the Ground Beef:

Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef breaking it up as it cooks. Brown it thoroughly, about 8 to 10 minutes, until fully cooked through and nicely caramelized on the edges. Drain excess fat if needed.

Assembly:

Layer the roasted sweet potatoes at the bottom of your bowl. Spoon the cooked ground beef over the top. Add dollops of cottage cheese and arrange sliced avocado on the surface for creaminess and color contrast.

Finishing Touch:

Drizzle hot honey generously over the assembled bowl. This final step brightens everything with a sweet heat that makes the dish addictive.

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I love the way the hot honey transforms this bowl. It brings a surprising zing that wakes up the earthy roasted sweet potatoes and savory beef. One family memory that sticks out is serving this during a casual weekend dinner where everyone eagerly spooned up every bit.

Storage Tips

Store leftover roasted sweet potatoes and cooked beef in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The bowl ingredients keep best when combined just before eating to avoid sogginess. Use within three days for optimum freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap sweet potatoes for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower carb version that still provides great texture. Replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt if you want a different creamy tang. Use maple syrup mixed with a pinch of cayenne for a homemade hot honey alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is satisfying on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed greens for added freshness. A squeeze of lime over the avocado can add a nice citrus kick that complements the honey.

Cultural Context

Hot honey is a rising trend that combines traditional honey with chili heat, originating from Southern American cooking but now popular worldwide. This blend in a bowl with beef and sweet potatoes reflects a fusion of comfort food with a modern spicy twist.

Pro Tips

• Toast spices briefly before adding beef to amp up flavor layers
• Be careful not to overcook the avocado to keep it bright and creamy on top
• Adjust the hot honey quantity based on your comfort with spice it can be surprisingly strong but adds tremendous depth

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Using 93% lean ground beef provides a great balance between flavor and a lean texture, preventing excess grease while keeping richness.

→ Can I substitute sweet potatoes for a lower-carb option?

Quinoa or cauliflower make excellent low-carb alternatives to sweet potatoes while maintaining satisfying texture and bulk.

→ How do I achieve caramelized sweet potatoes?

Roasting diced sweet potatoes at 425°F for 25-30 minutes with oil and seasoning allows them to become tender and develop a caramelized crust.

→ What’s the best way to prepare the avocado topping?

Freshly sliced avocado adds a creamy, vibrant touch. Adding it just before serving preserves its color and texture.

→ How does the hot honey enhance the bowl?

The hot honey drizzle provides a harmonious blend of sweetness and subtle heat that brightens and balances the savory elements.

→ Is there a tip for smoother texture with the cottage cheese?

Blending cottage cheese before layering creates a creamier texture that complements the other components smoothly.