Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is protein-packed comfort you can whip up with little more than a few pantry staples and some fresh vegetables. Between hearty roasted sweet potatoes, spicy taco-style beef, creamy cottage cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey, there’s no shortage of texture and flavor surprises in every bite. This bowl is filling yet feels fresh and makes an ideal choice for make-ahead lunches or a quick weeknight dinner.

My family flipped for this the very first time I served it and now someone asks for it nearly every week. The first time I tried it, I realized just how much cottage cheese can turn a savory bowl into something extra satisfying.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: 93 percent preferred for high protein content and less grease
• Sweet potatoes: offer natural sweetness and a sturdy texture
• Avocado: adds creaminess Select ripe but slightly firm for slicing
• Cottage cheese: either low-fat or full-fat for creaminess and extra protein
• Yellow onion: for sweetness and depth look for firm onions with papery skins
• Olive oil: for roasting and sautéing Choose extra virgin for more flavor
• Taco seasoning: brings all the zesty flavor go homemade or store-bought for convenience
• Hot honey: for a spicy floral finish Use your favorite or mix honey with chili flakes
• Paprika: pairs with the taco seasoning and deepens the color
• Garlic powder: for a subtle kick and savory aroma
• Cinnamon: a touch for warmth and subtle complexity
• Salt and pepper: essentials for seasoning Balance flavors to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Roast Sweet Potatoes:

Peel and dice sweet potatoes into even pieces to help them roast evenly Toss them with olive oil paprika garlic powder cinnamon salt and pepper Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes stirring halfway through for caramelization on all sides

Cook Ground Beef:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil Add diced onion and gently cook for several minutes stirring until onions are soft and fragrant Add the ground beef Break it apart with a spoon Season generously with taco mix and allow it to brown fully Let the edges get slightly crispy for extra flavor

Assemble Bowls:

Divide the roasted sweet potatoes between serving bowls Spoon on the hot taco beef in generous mounds Add several slices of avocado and a scoop of cottage cheese in each bowl

Drizzle Hot Honey:

Finish each bowl with a generous drizzle of hot honey right before serving If you want even more color and flavor top with fresh cilantro or a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime

Save

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the hot honey It completely transforms everything else in the bowl and people are always surprised at how a simple drizzle makes the flavors pop My daughter still talks about the first time she tried it at the kitchen table and how spicy and sweet combined in a way she had never tasted before

Storage Tips

Keep the beef sweet potatoes and hot honey separate from avocado and cottage cheese if storing for later This keeps everything fresh and prevents mushiness The beef and potatoes reheat well in the microwave or sauté pan but add avocado and cottage cheese only after reheating for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can easily take the place of ground beef for a lighter option swap the sweet potatoes for butternut squash or even roasted carrots If you cannot find hot honey just stir a pinch of chili flakes into regular honey for a similar effect

Serving Suggestions

These bowls shine on their own but you can stretch them with cooked rice or quinoa for bigger appetites Add a big handful of shredded lettuce underneath for extra crunch or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top to mellow the spice

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make this bowl less spicy?

Reduce or omit the hot honey, or use mild honey instead. Adjust the taco seasoning to your spice preference for a milder flavor.

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, feta or shredded cheddar work well for a different texture and flavor, though cottage cheese gives a creamy balance to the dish.

→ What's the best way to meal prep this bowl?

Store cooked beef, roasted sweet potatoes, and toppings in separate containers. Assemble just before serving for best results.

→ Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives. Plant-based crumbles can also be used for a vegetarian option.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat meat and sweet potatoes separately in the microwave or skillet, then add avocado, cottage cheese, and hot honey after warming.