Description
Craving a trendy, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious? Viral Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls combine sweet, roasted sweet potatoes, savory taco-seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, fresh avocado, and a spicy-sweet hot honey drizzle
Ingredients
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls use simple ingredients to create a flavorful, balanced meal. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 4 ½ cups cubed sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds): Provides a sweet, hearty base.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild kick.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm, sweet depth to the sweet potatoes.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Delivers savory, protein-rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds umami and richness to the beef.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with bold, savory spices.
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture and high protein.
- 1 large avocado (or 2 small): Provides creamy, healthy fats.
- 4 tablespoons hot honey: Offers a sweet-spicy drizzle for a viral touch.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cottage Cheese: Boosts protein and adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy beef.
- Sweet Potatoes: Provide natural sweetness and fiber, balancing the savory elements.
- Hot Honey: Adds a trendy sweet-spicy finish that elevates the dish.
- Ground Beef and Taco Seasoning: Deliver bold, savory flavor with minimal effort.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweet Potatoes: Swap with butternut squash, regular potatoes, or carrots for a different base.
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegan option.
- Cottage Cheese: Substitute with Greek yogurt, ricotta, or a plant-based yogurt for vegan diets.
- Hot Honey: Replace with regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes, or use maple syrup for a milder flavor.
- Avocado: Swap with guacamole or omit for a lighter bowl.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground meat, vegan cottage cheese or yogurt, and ensure hot honey is vegan (or use maple syrup with chili flakes).
- Gluten-Free: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free; all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Spicy Boost: Add diced jalapeños to the beef or increase hot honey for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 ½ cups cubed sweet potatoes, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese, 1 large avocado (or 2 small), and 4 tablespoons hot honey.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cube sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch cubes) and peel avocado for slicing.
Tip: Use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter dish, but full-fat adds extra creaminess.
Step 2: Roast Sweet Potatoes
- Spread 4 ½ cups cubed sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet.
- Spray with avocado oil (or drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil).
- Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; toss to coat evenly.
- Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Tip: Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer to ensure even roasting; check at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef with 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning.
- Break up the beef as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, if needed, and set aside.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef for an even texture; adjust seasoning with extra taco spice if desired.
Step 4: Assemble Bowls
- Divide the roasted sweet potatoes evenly among 4 bowls (about 1 cup per bowl).
- Add ¼ pound cooked ground beef to each bowl.
- Scoop ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese into each bowl.
- Slice 1 large avocado (or 2 small) and divide evenly among the bowls.
- Drizzle each bowl with 1 tablespoon hot honey.
Tip: Arrange ingredients side by side for a vibrant presentation or mix together for a cohesive flavor.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Tip: Enjoy warm to savor the contrast of hot sweet potatoes and beef with cool cottage cheese and avocado.