Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl hits the spot on busy nights when you want something hearty with a kick and a touch of sweetness. It combines savory spiced beef and roasted sweet potatoes with creamy avocado and cottage cheese for a balanced, flavorful meal. The drizzle of hot honey brings everything together with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.

I whipped this up for a weeknight dinner after a long day and was surprised how much everyone loved the sweet potato and hot honey pairing. It quickly became a regular in our rotation.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: provides a rich, filling protein base. Choose 93 percent lean for the best flavor and less grease
• Sweet potatoes: add natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Pick firm, vibrant orange potatoes for the best roasting results
• Avocado: adds creaminess and healthy fats. Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness
• Cottage cheese: keeps the bowl light and adds tangy creaminess. Use low-fat or full-fat depending on your preference
• Yellow onion: for a sweet, savory flavor base. Pick firm onions with dry tight skins
• Olive oil: helps roast the potatoes and cook the beef without drying them out
• Taco seasoning: gives the bowl a south-of-the-border flavor kick. I prefer homemade seasoning for freshness but store-bought works fine
• Hot honey: blends heat and sweetness perfectly. Use your favorite brand or make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes
• Paprika and garlic powder: add depth and warmth that balance the sweetness of the honey and potatoes
• Cinnamon: is a subtle twist that enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes
• Salt and pepper: to taste, essential for layering flavor

Instructions

Build The Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the peeled and diced sweet potatoes with half your olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 to 45 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking so they roast evenly and develop a nice caramelized edge. This slow roast really brings out the sweetness and softness in the potatoes.

Cook The Ground Beef Mixture:

While potatoes roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until translucent and soft, about five to six minutes. This soft onion layer adds a subtle sweetness to balance the beef. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning then break it apart while cooking. Stir often and cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining and smells fragrant from the seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Assemble The Bowl:

Spoon roasted sweet potatoes into the bottom of four bowls as the base. Add the seasoned ground beef next, distributing evenly. Slice the avocado and layer it on top along with a generous scoop of cottage cheese.

Finish With Hot Honey Drizzle:

Drizzle each bowl with two tablespoons of hot honey. The sweet heat from this drizzle is the star of the dish that lifts all the components beautifully. Garnish however you like with cilantro, red pepper flakes, or a wedge of lime for brightness and extra zing.

I love the way sweet potatoes soak up the spices during roasting and then play off the bold spicy sweetness of the hot honey. This bowl reminds me of cozy family dinners where simple ingredients come together to feel like a special occasion without any fuss.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the avocado fresh, store slices separately and add right before serving if possible. Reheat the beef and sweet potatoes together in a skillet or microwave until warm, then top with fresh avocado and cottage cheese.

Ingredient Swaps

If you don’t have cottage cheese, a thick Greek yogurt or crumbled feta makes a good creamy substitute. Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or roasted carrots for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegan version, use plant based ground beef alternatives and coconut yogurt or a nut-based cheese.

Serving Ideas

Serve with warm corn tortillas or over a bed of leafy greens for a salad-style bowl. Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a dollop of salsa to brighten the flavors. Adding a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or pepitas adds nice texture too.

This simple technique makes a big difference in taste and elevates this comforting meal to another level.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of beef is best for this dish?

Lean ground beef around 93% lean is ideal to keep the bowl hearty but not too greasy.

→ Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with another vegetable?

Yes, roasted butternut squash or carrots work well as alternatives, offering a similar sweetness and texture.

→ How is the spicy hot honey made or used here?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili flavors, adding a subtle heat and sweetness when drizzled over the assembled bowl.

→ What cooking method is used for the sweet potatoes?

The sweet potatoes are tossed in olive oil and spices, then roasted in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.

→ Is there a way to adjust the spice level?

Yes, adjust the amount of hot honey or add red pepper flakes to increase heat according to your preference.

→ What can I use instead of cottage cheese to add creaminess?

Greek yogurt or crumbled feta can be good substitutes to add a creamy, tangy element.