This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a fast, satisfying weeknight meal with sweet heat, savory beef, crisp vegetables, and steamy rice. It smells of caramelized honey and soy, tastes sweet and spicy with a savory backbone, and has a pleasing contrast between tender beef and crunchy vegetables. If you enjoy simple one-bowl dinners, you might also like this healthy ground beef cabbage skillet for another quick, flavor-forward option.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~455 kcal
- Protein: ~28 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fat: ~23 g
- Fiber: ~1.5 g
- Sugar: ~12 g
- Sodium: ~350 mg
Why Make This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
This bowl is quick, comforting, and bold in flavor. The hot honey adds a sticky sweet heat that coats the beef and vegetables for a satisfying bite. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and leftover rice. The texture mix—soft rice, juicy browned beef, and slightly crisp vegetables—keeps every bite interesting. It’s family-friendly with an adult kick from the hot honey, and you can easily adjust the spice and salt to suit kids or guests.
How to Make Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
You’ll brown the beef, add a sweet-spicy sauce, toss in vegetables until bright and tender, then serve everything over warm rice. The method is straightforward and forgiving: watch the heat, drain excess fat, and taste as you go.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Have the cooked rice ready and the vegetables washed and roughly chopped. Measure the hot honey and soy sauce so you can add them quickly once the beef is browned.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Stir occasionally so it browns evenly.
Step 3: Cooking
When the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan. Return the pan to medium heat, stir in the hot honey and soy sauce, and mix until the beef is evenly coated. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until they are tender-crisp and heated through.
Step 4: Finishing
Plate the warm rice into bowls and spoon the hot honey beef and vegetables over the top. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions for a fresh, bright finish. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
Serve the bowl hot in shallow bowls so every spoonful gets rice and beef. Add extras on the side: lime wedges for brightness, extra hot honey for more kick, or a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. For a heartier meal, add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top. For a lighter plate, serve with a side salad or steamed greens.
How to Store Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
- Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce glossy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
- Use medium-high heat to brown the beef quickly without stewing it. Let it sit a moment between stirs to get good color.
- Drain excess fat to keep the bowl from becoming greasy, especially with fattier ground beef.
- If your hot honey is thick, warm it slightly so it blends easily with the soy sauce.
- Cook vegetables just until tender-crisp to keep color and texture. Overcooked veg turn mushy and dull the bowl.
- Taste before adding salt — soy sauce adds saltiness, so you might not need much extra.
- To reduce calories or fat, use 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Garlic: Add a minced garlic clove and a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the honey for garlicky heat.
- Veggie-Heavy: Double the vegetables and skip rice for a low-carb bowl; serve over cauliflower rice.
- Asian-Inspired: Stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil and top with sesame seeds and pickled cucumbers.
- Tangy Twist: Add 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime to brighten the sauce.
- Cheesy Comfort: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of honey or sweetener?
A: Yes. Regular honey or maple syrup works, but hot honey provides the sweet-heat balance. If using plain honey, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for heat.
Q: What ground beef is best for this recipe?
A: 80–85% lean ground beef gives good flavor and juiciness. For less fat, use 90–95% lean and add a splash of oil when cooking to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Substitute with cooked crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat. Increase the soy sauce slightly and cook until the substitute is well browned.
Q: How can I make this less salty?
A: Reduce or omit soy sauce and replace with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Taste as you go and add a small pinch of salt only if needed.
Q: Is this safe to meal prep?
A: Yes. Store components separately if possible: keep rice and beef mixture chilled in separate containers. Combine and reheat for best texture. Use within 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked mixture with rice?
A: You can, but rice texture may change when thawed. For best quality, freeze the beef and vegetables separately from the rice and store for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Give this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl a try when you want a fast, flavor-packed dinner that blends sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. For another take on speedy ground beef dinners with bright flavors, check out this Viral Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls – Jar Of Lemons recipe for inspiration and serving ideas. Enjoy the comforting warmth and sticky-sweet heat — it’s an easy bowl to make and love.
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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A fast, satisfying weeknight meal featuring sweet heat, savory beef, crisp vegetables, and steamy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Have the cooked rice ready and the vegetables washed and roughly chopped. Measure the hot honey and soy sauce.
- Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and season with salt and pepper as it cooks, stirring occasionally.
- When the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat. Return the pan to medium heat, stir in the hot honey and soy sauce, mixing until the beef is evenly coated. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Plate the warm rice into bowls and spoon the hot honey beef and vegetables over the top. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, serve with lime wedges or a drizzle of sesame oil. Can add a fried egg on top for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
