GROUND BEEF HOT HONEY BOWL ULTIMATE

Craving something sweet, spicy, and satisfying all at once? This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is your answer! Imagine savory ground beef mingling with a fiery, yet delightfully sweet hot honey glaze, all nestled atop your favorite grains and vibrant toppings. I promise, this bowl is about to become your new weeknight obsession, delivering an explosion of flavor in every single bite!

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or sriracha)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bowl Assembly (adjust to your liking!)

• Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Avocado, diced
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Optional toppings: Pickled onions, shredded carrots, a drizzle of sriracha mayo

Let’s Talk Substitutions & Swaps

Hey, I get it – sometimes you don’t have *every* ingredient on hand. Don’t let that stop you! Here are a few swaps you can make without sacrificing too much flavor:

• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or even ground chicken work beautifully. You can also use plant-based ground “beef” for a vegetarian option.
• Hot Sauce: Experiment! Different hot sauces bring different flavor profiles. Consider using a chipotle-based hot sauce for a smoky kick, or a habanero sauce if you’re feeling brave.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Grains: Feel free to swap rice for another grain such as farro, or barley.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.

Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Marry the Beef and the Glaze

1. Pour the hot honey glaze over the cooked ground beef in the skillet.
2. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the glaze.
3. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Place a serving of cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice in a bowl.
2. Top with the hot honey ground beef.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, diced avocado, and sesame seeds (if using).
4. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bowl

• Don’t Overcook the Glaze: The hot honey glaze can burn easily, so keep a close watch and reduce the heat if needed.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your preferred spice level. Start small and add more to taste.
• Get Creative with Toppings: The possibilities are endless! Add your favorite veggies, sauces, and garnishes to customize your bowl. Consider adding some crunch with crushed tortilla chips.
• Make it Ahead: You can cook the ground beef and the glaze ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them and assemble the bowls.
• Meal Prep Power: This recipe is FANTASTIC for meal prep. Portion out the beef and rice into containers for easy and delicious lunches throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is delicious as is, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Hot Honey Ground Beef Tacos: Use the hot honey ground beef as a filling for tacos or burritos. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, and salsa. If you’re in a taco mood, you might also want to try these Baked Ground Beef Tacos.
• Hot Honey Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps: Serve the hot honey ground beef in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal.
• Hot Honey Ground Beef Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the hot honey ground beef and shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Add a Fried Egg: A fried egg on top adds richness and protein. The runny yolk mixes beautifully with the other flavors.

Spice it Up (Or Tone it Down!)

For More Heat

• Add a pinch of chili powder to the ground beef while cooking.
• Use a hotter variety of hot sauce.
• Include a finely chopped jalapeño pepper in the ground beef mixture.
• Drizzle with a spicy chili oil before serving.

For a Milder Flavor

• Reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper.
• Use a mild hot sauce.
• Add a touch of brown sugar to the hot honey glaze to balance the heat.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool things down.

Other Delicious Bowl Recipes You’ll Love

If you are loving these bowls, here are a few more recipes you might want to try:

• Cilantro Lime Steak Bowls: Tender steak marinated in a zesty cilantro lime dressing.
• Buffalo Chicken Bowl: Kick up the flavor with a spicy and tangy buffalo chicken bowl.
• Egg Roll In A Bowl: All the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper.

Hot Honey’s Hot! Other Recipes to Try

If you’re as obsessed with hot honey as I am, you should try using it in other recipes, such as:

• Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Sweet and spicy goodness on crispy baked chicken.
• Use hot honey as a glaze for roasted vegetables.
• Drizzle hot honey on pizza for an unexpected kick.

Mastering the Basics: Cooking Ground Beef Perfectly

Ground beef is a staple in many kitchens, but cooking it perfectly is key to a delicious meal. Here are some tips:

• Choose the Right Fat Content: The fat content of ground beef affects its flavor and texture. 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) is a good all-purpose choice, while leaner options like 90/10 are better for those watching their fat intake.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan can cause the beef to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Break it Up Properly: Use a spatula or spoon to break the ground beef into small pieces while cooking.
• Drain Off Excess Grease: After cooking, drain off any excess grease to prevent a greasy final product.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Store leftover ground beef hot honey bowl components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Reheat the rice separately. Assemble the bowl with fresh toppings.

So there you have it – a delicious and easy Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. Get in the kitchen, have fun, and enjoy every single bite!