Name: Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2–3 tbsp honey (adjust to taste); 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (like sriracha or chili garlic sauce, adjust to taste); 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral cooking oil; 3–4 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or diced; 1/2 cup carrots, shredded; 2–3 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds (optional); Fresh cilantro or mint (optional, for garnish)

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This ground beef hot honey bowl is a sweet, spicy, and savory dish that hits every craving in one bite. I cook up seasoned beef and glaze it in a sticky hot honey sauce, then pile it over fluffy rice and finish it with fresh toppings for crunch and balance. It’s quick, bold, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for lunch or dinner when I want big flavor without a big fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast this meal comes together — everything cooks in one skillet and is ready in about 30 minutes. The hot honey sauce is the real star: it’s sweet, spicy, and coats the beef beautifully without being overpowering. I like that I can easily adjust the heat level depending on my mood. It’s also super versatile — I build my bowl with rice, but sometimes I go with quinoa, noodles, or even a salad base.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Honey
Hot sauce (like sriracha or chili garlic sauce)
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
Cooked rice (white or brown)
Green onions, sliced
Cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
Carrots, shredded
Sesame seeds (optional)
Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and break it up as it browns. I cook it until no pink remains.
I stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, I mix together soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, and vinegar or lime juice. I pour this over the beef and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
I taste and adjust the heat — if I want it spicier, I add more hot sauce; if I want it sweeter, I drizzle in more honey.
I scoop the hot honey beef over warm rice, then top it with sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. A handful of herbs like cilantro or mint adds a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 3–4 bowls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I switch up the grain sometimes — jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice all work. When I want to go low-carb, I serve the beef in lettuce wraps. I’ve also added avocado, pickled onions, or a fried egg on top for extra richness. For extra crunch, I toss in chopped peanuts or cashews.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I keep the toppings separate from the beef and rice to maintain texture. When I reheat, I microwave the beef and rice together until warm, then add fresh toppings just before serving. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, but I stir in a splash of water when reheating to loosen it back up.

FAQs

Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on the hot sauce I use and how much I add. I start with a smaller amount and adjust to my taste. I like a medium heat level — just enough to feel it, but not overwhelming.

What kind of honey should I use?

Any regular honey works well. I’ve used clover, wildflower, and even hot honey straight from the bottle when I want a shortcut.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Yes, I’ve made this with ground turkey before and it still tastes great. Ground beef gives a richer flavor, but the sauce works with any ground meat.

What toppings go best with this bowl?

I usually go with something crunchy and fresh — cucumber, shredded carrots, green onion, and sesame seeds. Sometimes I add avocado or a drizzle of lime juice.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. I portion the beef and rice into containers and keep the toppings in a separate container to add fresh each day. It’s a great grab-and-go lunch.

Conclusion

This ground beef hot honey bowl is bold, quick, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something exciting but don’t have a lot of time. Sweet heat, savory beef, and fresh toppings all come together for a perfectly balanced bite — and it always leaves me satisfied.