Name: Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (grass-fed preferred); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp halal chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference); 1 1/2 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup cooked white or jasmine rice; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup diced cucumber; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; 2 tbsp chopped scallions; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl a sweet and spicy protein-packed rice bowl that brings together savory ground beef, a sticky hot honey glaze, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado. It’s my go-to for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner.

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (grass-fed preferred)

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoon coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon halal chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)

1 ½ tablespoon honey

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cooked white or jasmine rice

½ cup shredded carrots

½ cup diced cucumber

1 ripe avocado, sliced

2 tablespoon chopped scallions

Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. I add the diced onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it turns translucent.

Then I stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds.

I add the ground beef next, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. After about 6–8 minutes, it should be browned and cooked through.

To that, I stir in tomato paste, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I cook everything for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.

I build the bowls starting with a layer of cooked rice.

Then I top it with the hot honey beef, followed by shredded carrots, cucumber, and avocado slices.

I finish it with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories per serving: Around 420 kcal

Variations

I like swapping in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Sometimes I use cauliflower rice to make it low-carb. If I want more crunch, I add shredded red cabbage or sliced radishes. For extra heat, I add a drizzle of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store the beef separately from the fresh toppings to keep everything crisp. It stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm the beef in a skillet or microwave until hot, then build the bowl with the cold, fresh ingredients.

FAQs

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on how much chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes I use. I can tone it down or spice it up to match my taste.

Can I use brown rice instead of white or jasmine rice?

Yes, I often use brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor—it works perfectly.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. I cook the beef and rice ahead of time and keep the toppings fresh. When I’m ready to eat, I just assemble everything.

Can I make this gluten-free?

It already is if I use coconut aminos or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar are great alternatives if I want to change the flavor profile or need a vegan option.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—fast, flavorful, and packed with everything I need in a balanced meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or prepping ahead, and I love how easy it is to adapt it to whatever I have on hand.

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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A sweet and spicy protein-packed rice bowl combining savory ground beef in a hot honey glaze with rice, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Stir in tomato paste, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
In serving bowls, add a layer of cooked rice.
Top rice with hot honey beef, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, and avocado slices.
Sprinkle chopped scallions and sesame seeds on top before serving.