These hot honey ground beef bowls bring together savory seasoned beef with a sweet and spicy honey drizzle for a meal that’s bold, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Tender ground beef is paired with fluffy rice and crisp veggies, creating a comfort-food feel with a kick of heat that keeps every bite interesting.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these bowls deliver protein, complex carbs, and vibrant flavor in one dish. The hot honey sauce adds a glossy, sweet heat that elevates ordinary beef bowls into something memorable and delicious.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Medium pot for rice
- Bowl for mixing sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
For the Beef & Bowls
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
- Dress the beef: Pour half of the hot honey sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer on low for a minute to meld the flavors.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each with seasoned ground beef, steamed broccoli florets, and shredded carrots.
- Finish: Drizzle additional hot honey sauce over each bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired sauce
- Course: Main / Dinner
How to store
- Refrigerator: Store individual components or assembled bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or a little extra hot honey sauce if it feels dry.
- Freezer: Store cooked beef and rice separately in freezer bags for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating and assembling.
what not to do
- Do not overcook the beef; it should stay tender and not dry.
- Avoid adding hot honey sauce too early—it’s best added at the end to preserve its flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd vegetables; they should stay crisp or tender, not mushy.
Tips & Variations
- Rice alternatives: Use cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter or gluten-free option.
- Extra veg: Add bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or snap peas for color and nutrients.
- Sauce swap: Substitute honey with maple syrup if preferred.
- Heat level: Increase hot sauce or red pepper flakes for more spice.
- Protein option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~450–550 kcal
- Protein: ~27–33 g
- Fat: ~18–24 g
- Carbohydrates: ~48–60 g
- Fiber: ~4–7 g
- Sugar: ~12–18 g
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar until smooth. Add red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
- Dress the beef: Pour half of the hot honey sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer on low for a minute to meld the flavors.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each with seasoned ground beef, steamed broccoli florets, and shredded carrots.
- Finish: Drizzle additional hot honey sauce over each bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein: ~27–33 g
- Fat: ~18–24 g
- Carbohydrates: ~48–60 g
- Fiber: ~4–7 g
- Sugar: ~12–18 g
Conclusion
These hot honey ground beef bowls are a flavorful and balanced meal choice that combines savory seasoned beef with sweet, spicy sauce and wholesome sides. They offer a satisfying blend of protein, carbs, and vegetables that works for family dinners or convenient meal prep without sacrificing taste.
FAQs
- Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—use plant-based ground crumbles or cooked lentils instead of beef. - Is this dish very spicy?
Heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. - Can I prepare ahead?
Yes—cook components and store separately; assemble before serving. - Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely—brown rice works well for added fiber. - Can I add a fried egg on top?
Yes—a fried or soft-boiled egg adds extra protein and richness.
