Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Sautéing · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl combines spicy-sweet flavors and hearty textures for a comforting and festive meal.
If you're looking for a dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort while illuminating the bold flavors of the season, the Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl can be your standout star for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Based right here in bustling New York City, I've found that the twinkling lights of the city don't just reflect the beauty of the holidays but inspire culinary creativity that keeps my kitchen alive with flavor. This hearty bowl, with its spicy-sweet notes and layered texture, is bound to uplift your festive culinary repertoire.
A Comforting Holiday Favorite
This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl is the perfect dish to warm up your holiday gatherings, combining flavors that both comfort and excite the palate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of spicy and sweet that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy holiday gatherings.
- Flexible ingredients allow for vegetarian substitutions without sacrificing flavor.
- Comforting and hearty, a dish that radiates warmth and festive cheer.
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it multiple times throughout the week.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- ¼ cup hot honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving (recommend jasmine rice)
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl:
Step 1: Sautéing Aromatics
In a large skillet-my trusty 10-inch cast-iron skillet always does the trick-heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add in the finely chopped onion, letting it sauté until translucent. The aroma of the caramelized onions is simply irresistible, setting the foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Browning the Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. As it cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon. The enticing sound of sizzling beef fills the room, blending beautifully with the onions. Don't forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the meat to layer in the seasoning.
Step 3: Infusing Flavor
After about 5-7 minutes, when the beef is browned but still juicy, stir in the minced garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha. Stirring constantly, allow these ingredients to mingle, creating a fragrant mixture that fills your kitchen with warmth.
Step 4: Drizzling Hot Honey
Now, for the pièce de résistance-drizzle the hot honey over the sizzling beef. As it caramelizes slightly, give the mixture a good stir, ensuring every bite gets that sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 5: Assembling the Bowl
Serve the hot beef mixture over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa, allowing the grains to soak up the delectable juices. Top it with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness and color that beautifully contrasts the rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcrowding the pan can cause the beef to steam rather than brown.
- Skipping salt while cooking may result in a bland dish.
- Adding hot honey too early can prevent it from achieving delicious caramelization.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- To balance the heat of the sriracha, consider adding a touch more hot honey, adjusting to taste.
- Pair your Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl with pickled vegetables for added tang and crunch.
- For vegetarian options, substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative to achieve a similar texture.
Variations:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use different grains like farro or barley instead of rice or quinoa.
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables and color.
- Incorporate different hot sauces to vary the heat level.
How to Serve:
- Serve over fluffy cooked jasmine rice or quinoa.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for brightness.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Top with sliced green onions for an extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Marinate the beef with soy sauce and sriracha up to 24 hours before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat over low heat on the stove to retain moisture.
- Freezing: The dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While experimenting with this recipe, I discovered how the hint of sweetness from the hot honey combined with the zesty kick of sriracha can create layers of flavor that captivate the taste buds. It's a reminder that the simplest dishes can yield the most wonderful surprises during the festive season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 bowl
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~500 calories · 25g protein · 40g carbs · 30g fat
Recipe by:
Spicy-Sweet Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, soy sauce, and sriracha. Cook for a few more minutes until fragrant.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the beef and stir until well coated. Remove from heat.
- Serve the mixture over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make the Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare the components and store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat them gently before serving.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you have vegetarian guests, a plant-based alternative works wonderfully in place of ground beef, providing a similar texture without compromising on flavor.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
You can adjust the amount of sriracha used according to your preferences or add a bit more hot honey to balance out the heat while enhancing sweetness.
