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This hot honey ground beef bowl is one of the most satisfying meals I have made for quick weeknight dinners. With a mix of hearty beef, creamy cottage cheese and avocado, plus the spicy sweet kick of hot honey, this recipe is loaded with protein and flavor. It is the kind of power bowl that actually keeps you full and happy for hours.
After serving this on a busy night, my family kept asking when we could have it again. The hot honey drizzle honestly steals the show every time.
Ingredients
- Sweet potato: diced small for quick roasting and natural sweetness go for firm and brightly colored potatoes
- Salt, black pepper and cinnamon: for seasoning bring warm depth to the roasted potatoes
- Lean ground beef, 93 7: for hearty protein with less fat choose beef that is bright red and not gray
- Tomato paste: for tang and rich base flavor grab a tube for easy storage and use
- Taco seasoning: for instant Tex Mex flair use your favorite blend and check the label for low sodium if desired
- Cottage cheese, 2 percent: for creamy texture and high protein look for brands with few additives
- Avocados: ripe but still firm for creamy topping press gently to test ripeness
- Hot honey: for spicy sweet finish use store bought or make your own with honey and chili flakes
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Dice peeled sweet potatoes into quarter inch cubes so they cook evenly and quickly. Toss onto a parchment lined sheet pan. Lightly spray with cooking oil and season generously with salt pepper and a pinch of cinnamon. Spread out in a single layer. Bake at 425F for thirty minutes flipping and seasoning again halfway through for crisp edges and deep flavor.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- While potatoes roast heat a frying pan on medium high. Add lean ground beef breaking it up with a spoon or meat chopper as it cooks. Let it brown and cook fully for about five minutes. You want the beef to be crumbly and no longer pink.
- Season the Taco Beef:
- Drain any extra fat if needed. Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning with a splash of water. Keep it moving in the pan for one or two minutes more until everything is evenly coated and saucy. This step infuses the beef with flavor.
- Build Your Bowls:
- Layer roasted sweet potatoes in your bowl first. Add a scoop of taco beef then a dollop of cottage cheese and a quarter of a sliced avocado per bowl. Drizzle hot honey over the top just before eating so every bite gets a bit of that spicy sweetness.
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I always look forward to the moment I add the hot honey at the end. Its warmth and sweetness tie all the other flavors together and instantly lift my mood. Sharing these bowls with family and watching everyone savor that first spicy sweet bite will always stick with me.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Keep hot honey and avocados separate until serving so the avocado stays fresh and honey keeps its texture. This way you can reheat beef and potatoes then quickly assemble your bowl.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you like a lighter option. Greek yogurt can sub for cottage cheese but it will give a slightly tangier taste. Butternut squash works well in place of sweet potato if that is what you have.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with jalapeno slices for extra heat or chopped cilantro and lime juice for brightness. A crunchy slaw of cabbage or arugula makes a great side and boosts the veggie count. We like to pair this bowl with simple tortilla chips to scoop up all the creamy and spicy bits.
Recipe Inspiration
This bowl combines Tex Mex and Southern flavors in a way that is both comforting and energizing. Hot honey has been a trending ingredient in American kitchens and bringing it into dinner time adds a playful modern twist to a classic beef bowl.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of beef is best for this bowl?
93/7 lean ground beef is recommended for a balance of flavor and lower fat content, but you can use your preferred variety.
- → Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Yes, Greek yogurt or ricotta can stand in for cottage cheese, offering creamy texture and protein.
- → How spicy is the hot honey?
Hot honey adds a gentle kick. Adjust the amount or use regular honey for less heat.
- → Are there alternatives to sweet potatoes?
Try butternut squash, roasted carrots, or regular potatoes for a different flavor profile and texture.
- → Can this meal be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, roast the potatoes and cook the beef ahead, then assemble with fresh avocado and cottage cheese before serving.