Go Back

Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl - Sweet, Spicy, and Ready Fast

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 1 pound (80–90% lean works best for flavor).
  • Hot honey: 1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade honey mixed with hot sauce or chili flakes).
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (or tamari for gluten-free).
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon for brightness.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground in a pinch).
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon to thicken and add umami.
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon for toasty flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, to taste.
  • Neutral oil: 1 tablespoon (avocado, canola, or grapeseed).
  • Cooked rice: About 4 cups (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice).
  • Vegetables: 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded red cabbage.
  • Green onions: 2–3, thinly sliced.
  • Sesame seeds: For garnish.
  • Lime wedges: Optional, for serving.
  • Salt and black pepper: To season as needed.

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Make your rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. Prep the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, tomato paste, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  3. Prep aromatics and veggies: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, and green onions. Set aside.
  4. Brown the beef: Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned with crisp edges, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute until fragrant, stirring so they don’t burn.
  6. Glaze the beef: Pour in the sauce. Stir to coat and let it simmer 2–3 minutes, until glossy and slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with hot honey beef, cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage.
  8. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Add a squeeze of lime if you like a bright finish. Serve hot.