Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl Recipe

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl brings together taco-seasoned beef, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet honey that makes every bite memorable. I first tried this combination when my grandson brought home hot honey from a farmers market, and now it shows up on our dinner table at least twice a month.

Growing up on the farm, we always had ground beef in the freezer and sweet potatoes stored in the root cellar through winter. My mother taught me that simple ingredients, treated with care, create the most satisfying meals. This bowl reminds me of those practical Midwest suppers where nothing went to waste and flavor came from smart seasoning rather than fancy techniques. The warm spices on those roasted sweet potatoes fill the kitchen with an aroma that draws everyone to the table before I even call them. Time to get those bowls ready.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

After making this ground beef hot honey bowl for Sunday dinners and weeknight meal prep alike, I can tell you exactly why it works. The combination of protein-rich beef and cottage cheese keeps you satisfied for hours, while the sweet potato base adds that comfort food warmth we all crave.

• Ready from start to finish in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings
• Delivers 38 grams of protein per serving from lean beef and cottage cheese
• Creates that sweet-spicy balance that keeps you reaching for another forkful
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Makes four generous portions ideal for batch cooking
• Adapts easily to different proteins and dietary needs

Ingredient Spotlight

Lean Ground Beef (93%): I always choose 93% lean for this recipe because it browns beautifully without leaving excess grease in the pan. The taco seasoning clings better to leaner meat, giving you more flavor in every bite.

Sweet Potatoes: These orange gems become caramelized and slightly crispy when roasted at high heat. In my kitchen, I prefer medium-sized potatoes cut into half-inch cubes for even cooking.

Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet works perfectly fine, though I sometimes mix my own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a touch of oregano. Fresh spices make all the difference.

Cottage Cheese: This might seem unusual in a taco-style bowl, but the creamy tanginess balances the heat from the hot honey beautifully. Either low-fat or full-fat works well depending on your preference.

Hot Honey: The star that brings this ground beef hot honey bowl together. Store-bought versions work great, or you can make your own by simmering honey with red pepper flakes.

Avocado: Adds richness and healthy fats that round out the bowl. Choose avocados that give slightly when pressed for the best texture.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 lb lean ground beef (93% preferred)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 taco seasoning packet (or 2 tbsp homemade)

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
• 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. I have learned that a properly heated oven makes all the difference for caramelization.
2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Through trial and error, I discovered that crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
4. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender with crispy edges.
5. While potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and saute the diced onion until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Add ground beef and taco seasoning to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned throughout, about 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Divide roasted sweet potatoes among four bowls. Top with the seasoned beef mixture, fresh avocado slices, and a generous dollop of cottage cheese.
8. Drizzle hot honey over each bowl and serve immediately while everything is warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Check your spice expiration dates before making the taco seasoning. Fresh spices create noticeably more vibrant flavor.
• Give your sweet potatoes plenty of room on the baking sheet. A single layer with space between pieces ensures proper browning.
• Start with less hot honey if you are sensitive to spice. You can always drizzle more at the table.
• Let the beef rest for a minute after cooking before assembling. This allows the juices to redistribute.
• Prep the beef and potatoes on Sunday for quick weeknight assembly throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating Tips

I typically store the beef and sweet potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days this way. Keep the avocado and cottage cheese separate until serving to maintain the best texture.

For freezing, both the beef mixture and roasted sweet potatoes hold up well for about 3 months. I pack them in freezer bags with the air pressed out. The avocado and cottage cheese do not freeze well, so add those fresh when serving.

My preferred reheating method depends on time. For the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch using 1-minute intervals and stirring between. On the stovetop, warm over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep things from drying out.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or crumbled textured vegetable protein. Season with the same taco spices for similar flavor depth.

Lighter Protein: Ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent substitute when you want fewer calories. You can find more ideas in my Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole.

Extra Protein Boost: Add a fried egg on top or increase the cottage cheese to 1 and 1/2 cups per bowl.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

These bowls stand on their own, but a few thoughtful additions turn dinner into something special.

• A simple corn salad with tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro adds freshness that complements the warm bowl
• My High Protein Taco Soup pairs wonderfully if you want to make a themed dinner spread
• Fresh guacamole or the Skinny Poolside Dip with tortilla chips on the side
• Mixed greens with a light lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast
• Try serving alongside my Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet for variety when meal prepping
• Cilantro lime rice or quinoa adds extra substance for bigger appetites

For similar high-protein bowl ideas, check out my Korean Ground Beef Bowl or the Quick Korean Ground Beef Bowl for different flavor profiles using similar techniques

FAQs

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

A delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with taco-seasoned beef, roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and hot honey drizzle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 570

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef 93% preferred
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1 cup cottage cheese low-fat or full-fat
• 2 tbsp hot honey store-bought or homemade

Equipment

• baking sheet
• large skillet
• mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add ground beef and taco seasoning, then cook until browned.
4. Assemble bowls with layers of roasted sweet potatoes, ground beef mixture, avocado slices, and cottage cheese.
5. Drizzle hot honey over each bowl before serving.

Notes

Use fresh spices in your taco seasoning for more vibrant taste. Spread sweet potatoes evenly for even roasting. Adjust hot honey amount based on spice tolerance. Prep ahead by cooking larger batches of beef and sweet potatoes.