Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

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Bold, saucy, and slightly sweet with a fiery finish, the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is the dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. Think sizzling ground beef glazed in a sticky hot honey sauce, spooned over fluffy white rice with a luscious swipe of creamy mayo underneath. The final touch? A crunchy kick of scallions, sesame seeds, and sliced chili for that knockout bite.

Perfect for weeknights, this bowl is a craveable mix of textures and flavors. From the umami-packed beef to the mellow creamy base and the spice-sweet contrast, every spoonful satisfies in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s customizable and pantry-friendly, making it an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

• Fast & Flavorful: Cooks in less than 30 minutes without sacrificing depth.
• Sweet-Heat Balance: Hot honey takes the flavor up a notch with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly: You can control the spice level to please everyone.
• Versatile: Swap the protein or toppings depending on what you have on hand.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Short-grain white rice gives the best texture contrast with its slightly sticky, tender bite. However, you can absolutely substitute with jasmine, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb base. Just make sure the rice is warm and fluffy to soak up all that saucy goodness.

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Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use lean beef for a hearty base that browns up nicely without too much grease.
• White rice: Acts as a soft and neutral base, perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, cooling layer that balances the heat and richness.
• Hot honey: Delivers the signature sweet and spicy glaze for the beef.
• Soy sauce: Deepens the umami and helps build the glaze.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic sharpness.
• Sesame oil: Adds nuttiness and depth.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to glossy perfection.
• Green onions: For fresh crunch and visual appeal.
• Red chili (optional): Adds spice and heat on top.
• Sesame seeds: Toasty and nutty garnish to finish it off.

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How To Make the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Prepare 2 cups of short-grain white rice according to package directions. Keep warm.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup hot honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water. Set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook another minute.

Step 4: Glaze the Meat

Pour in the sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the beef evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the cooked rice between 4 bowls. Swirl 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on each portion of rice. Spoon the hot honey beef over the top.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and sliced red chili (if using). Serve immediately.

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Serving Up This Spicy-Sweet Bowl

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl feeds 4 people generously. It’s perfect on its own, but you can round it out with a side of steamed edamame or quick pickled cucumbers for added crunch and brightness.

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How to Store Your Leftovers

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, store rice and beef separately to maintain texture. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to the beef if needed to loosen the sauce.

The mayonnaise and garnishes should be added fresh when serving again, not reheated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time slightly since poultry cooks faster. The hot honey glaze works beautifully with both.

2. How spicy is hot honey?
It has a mild to medium kick depending on the brand. You can always tone it down by mixing it with regular honey.

3. What kind of mayo should I use?
Any good-quality mayonnaise works, but Japanese Kewpie mayo adds an extra umami touch.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Make sure to press the tofu first for best texture.

5. Can I freeze this meal?
The beef freezes well for up to 2 months. Rice can be frozen, too, though it might need a little steam or water when reheating to fluff back up.

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Want More Dinner Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you’re loving this Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl, you might also enjoy:

• Runza Casserole – hearty, cheesy beef wrapped in flaky layers.
• Old-Fashioned Goulash – nostalgic, comforting beef pasta dish.
• Creamy Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese – the perfect savory side.
• Cheesy Creamed Spinach – a rich and easy addition to any bowl.
• Mongolian Beef – a sticky-sweet stir-fry dream.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Try another protein? Maybe you tossed in some stir-fried veggies?

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