Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great, and even crumbled tofu can soak up the hot honey-soy sauce combo nicely. Just keep the same general cooking method—brown it, then sauce it.

What kind of rice works best?

Whatever you’ve got. White rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, even cauliflower rice if that’s your thing. The goal is something that will grab onto that sauce and not let go.

Can I make this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! It’s a great meal prep bowl. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a tiny splash of water to loosen the sauce.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should keep well for 3–4 days . The flavors get even better as they sit—like the dish is doing a little overnight “glow up.”

Can I make it gluten-free?

You sure can. Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free option like tamari. Everything else should be good to go.

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl: 5 Irresistible Cozy Bites

Description

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a fast, cozy weeknight dinner: savory ground beef simmered in sticky-sweet hot honey sauce, tossed with rice, and topped with scallions + sesame.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
3 tbsp hot honey (add more to taste)
2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 cups cooked white rice (warm)

For topping (optional but highly recommended):

2–3 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Brown beef: Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Make the sauce: Stir in hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
Add rice: Stir in cooked rice and mix until coated. Cook 2 minutes, just until warmed through.
Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Heat level: Start with 2 tbsp hot honey if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more at the end.

Too thick? Add 1–2 tbsp water and stir—instant silky sauce.

Meal prep: Keeps well 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water.

Swap: Ground turkey works too—just add a tiny extra drizzle of oil if it seems lean.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: skillet
Cuisine: American-Asian Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 505 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 920 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg