I love making this Spicy Sweet Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl when I want something bold, comforting, and packed with flavor. I combine savory ground beef with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, then layer it over fluffy rice with fresh toppings for a perfectly balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how the sweet heat from the honey pairs beautifully with the savory, seasoned beef. The sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, creating a glossy coating that makes every bite irresistible.
I also enjoy how customizable this bowl is. I can add different vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap the base depending on what I have available. It works perfectly for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup steamed broccoli
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
I begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. I drain any excess grease if needed.
I stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. I pour the mixture over the beef and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
To assemble the bowls, I divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. I spoon the hot honey ground beef over the rice and add steamed broccoli and shredded carrots on the side.
I finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
I sometimes substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. When I want extra crunch, I add sliced cucumbers or shredded cabbage.
For more heat, I increase the hot sauce or drizzle extra hot honey on top. If I prefer a lower-carb option, I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
storage/reheating
I store the beef, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm the beef and rice in the microwave or a skillet until heated through. I add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
I often prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I assemble the bowls when ready to serve.
Is this recipe very spicy?
I find it moderately spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat by reducing the hot sauce or chili flakes.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
I frequently use leftover rice to make this recipe even faster.
What vegetables work best?
I like using broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, or snap peas depending on what I have.
Can I freeze the cooked beef?
I freeze the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
I love how this Spicy Sweet Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into one satisfying dish. It is quick, customizable, and perfect for busy days. Whenever I make it, it becomes an instant favorite at the table.
Print
Spicy Sweet Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and comforting bowl featuring savory ground beef coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh vegetables for a perfectly balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Divide cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Spoon the hot honey ground beef over the rice and add steamed broccoli and shredded carrots.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add cucumbers or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
- Increase hot sauce or drizzle extra hot honey for more heat.
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked beef mixture for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
