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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 tablespoons hot honey - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving The heart of the Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl lies in its simple yet vibrant flavors. First, I choose ground beef for its rich taste and easy cooking. I like using olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic, adding depth to the dish. For flavor enhancers, I blend soy sauce, hot honey, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. The hot honey gives a sweet kick, while paprika adds a smoky touch. The bowl's base is cooked jasmine rice, which pairs well with the beef and toppings. I then heap corn and black beans on top for color and nutrition. Finally, I add sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness. This combination makes each bite exciting and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onions and garlic: Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it is soft. Next, add two cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds more until you smell that lovely garlic aroma. 2. Browning the ground beef: Now it’s time to add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there is too much fat, drain it off. 1. Adding soy sauce and hot honey: Once the beef is browned, stir in one tablespoon of soy sauce and two tablespoons of hot honey. The sweet and spicy combo really makes this dish pop! 2. Simmering to enhance flavors: Next, add one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and some salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and create a delicious sauce. 1. Layering jasmine rice: For the base, take 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice. Place one cup in each serving bowl. This rice will soak up all the flavors from the beef. 2. Adding toppings and garnishes: Top the rice with the hot honey ground beef mixture. Add a scoop of corn and black beans on top. Then, arrange sliced avocado and sprinkle fresh cilantro for a nice touch. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Just a squeeze of lime adds a bright zing! Browning ground beef perfectly To get that nice brown color, heat your skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil first, then the ground beef. Break it up gently but wait a bit before stirring. This helps the beef brown well. Look for a rich brown color, not gray. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Importance of simmering After adding hot honey and other spices, let the mixture simmer. Simmering helps the flavors mix well. It also makes the beef more juicy and tasty. Just 2 to 3 minutes can make a big difference in taste. Adjusting spice levels with hot honey Hot honey gives a sweet and spicy kick. If you want it hotter, add more hot honey a little at a time. Taste your beef mixture as you go. This way, you find the right heat level for you. Using fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients make a big impact on flavor. Use fresh garlic and real corn if you can. Fresh cilantro also adds a burst of flavor. These ingredients help your dish taste bright and clean. Choosing the right rice I love jasmine rice for this bowl. It's soft and fragrant. You can also use brown rice if you want something healthier. Just make sure the rice is cooked well to hold the beef and toppings. Ideal garnishes for flavor Add sliced avocado and fresh cilantro on top. The creamy avocado pairs nicely with the spicy beef. Lime wedges are a must for squeezing on top. The lime adds a nice zing and balances the dish perfectly. Pro Tips Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% or 93% lean) to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice preference. Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes for an extra kick! Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and onion for the best flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the dish even more. Perfect Rice: Ensure your jasmine rice is fluffy and perfectly cooked. Rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming gummy. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options are leaner and still tasty. If you want a vegan meal, try plant-based beef. It mimics the texture and flavor of meat well, making it a great choice. The type of hot honey you use can change the dish. Sweet hot honey gives a mild kick, while spicy hot honey adds a serious bite. You can also play with spices. Try adding garlic powder or onion powder for depth. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also brighten the dish. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables to your bowl. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can add color and nutrients. If you like, you can turn this bowl into a taco or burrito. Just wrap the beef mixture and toppings in a tortilla for a fun twist. To keep your hot honey ground beef bowl fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first to avoid steam buildup. Place the bowl in the fridge. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. When it's time to reheat, the microwave works well. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This helps keep the rice from getting soggy. You can also use a skillet on low heat for even heating. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. First, cool the beef mixture. Then, portion it into freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove to keep the texture nice. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. It is great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook the beef mixture: Make the beef mixture and store it in the fridge. It lasts up to three days. - Prepare the rice: Cook jasmine rice in advance. Store it separately to keep it fresh. - Pack toppings: Slice the avocado just before serving to keep it green. Store all other toppings in containers. - Reheat easily: When ready to eat, warm the beef and rice in the microwave. Assemble your bowl with toppings. If you don't have hot honey, don’t worry! There are great alternatives: - Regular honey: Mix it with a bit of hot sauce for spice. - Maple syrup: Add some chili flakes for heat. - Agave nectar: This works well too; just add a dash of sriracha. - Barbecue sauce: It gives a sweet and spicy flavor. Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free. Here’s how: - Soy sauce: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. - Check other ingredients: Make sure your hot honey and any sauces are gluten-free. - Rice and beans: Both are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set there. With these swaps, you can enjoy this dish without worry! This blog shared a simple beef bowl recipe that’s easy and tasty. You learned about key ingredients like ground beef, jasmine rice, and fresh toppings. We went through step-by-step instructions to make cooking simple. I also offered tips for enhancing flavors, making swaps, and storing leftovers. Cooking should be fun and stress-free. Try these tweaks to fit your taste. Enjoy your delicious beef bowls!

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl

A delicious bowl featuring ground beef cooked with hot honey and spices, served over jasmine rice with fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hot honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the soy sauce, hot honey, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • In serving bowls, layer 1 cup of cooked jasmine rice as the base. Top with the hot honey ground beef mixture, followed by a scoop of corn and black beans.
  • Arrange sliced avocado on top, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for drizzling over the bowl before enjoying.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot honey.
Keyword beef bowl, hot honey, spicy