If you’ve been scrolling through food content lately, you’ve probably seen these hot honey ground beef bowls everywhere. And trust me, the hype is real. I finally caved and made them last week, and now I can’t stop thinking about them.
This recipe hits every craving at once. You get the natural sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes, savory seasoned beef, creamy cottage cheese, and that perfect kick from hot honey. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel satisfied without feeling heavy.
I love recipes that look impressive but come together quickly. These bowls check every box. They’re high in protein, loaded with fiber, and packed with healthy fats from the avocado. My husband has literally asked for these three nights in a row.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic is in the balance. Sweet potatoes bring complex carbs and natural sweetness. The lean ground beef delivers serious protein without excess fat. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and even more protein. Fresh avocado provides healthy fats and a buttery texture.
Then there’s the hot honey. That sweet-spicy drizzle ties everything together. It complements the cinnamon-roasted sweet potatoes while balancing the savory beef perfectly.
I’ve been making these bowls weekly now. They’re fantastic for meal prep too. You can cook everything in advance and assemble bowls throughout the week. The ingredients hold up beautifully in the fridge.
What Makes These Bowls Different
Unlike typical taco bowls, these skip the rice and beans. The sweet potatoes serve as your base carb. This gives you more nutrients and a naturally sweet contrast to the seasoned beef.
The cottage cheese might sound unusual, but it’s genius. It melts slightly from the warm ingredients, creating a creamy sauce. Plus, it adds significant protein. I use 2% low-fat cottage cheese, but full-fat works great too.
These bowls prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean boring food. Every bite is interesting. You get different textures and flavors in each forkful.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or Sunday meal prep, this recipe delivers. Let me show you exactly how I make them.
Recipe Details & Instructions
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 2 large (about 1.5 lbs) | Peeled and cubed |
| 93/7 lean ground beef | 1 lb | Leaner option preferred |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Adds richness |
| Taco seasoning | 2 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade |
| Avocados | 2 medium | Ripe but firm |
| 2% low-fat cottage cheese | 1 cup | Or full-fat |
| Hot honey | 1/4 cup | For drizzling |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | For sweet potatoes |
| Cooking spray or oil | As needed | For roasting |
Equipment Needed
- Half sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Large frying pan
- Meat chopper (optional but helpful)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 425°F. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into quarter-inch cubes for even cooking. Spread cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Lightly spray with cooking oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top. The cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Roast Sweet Potatoes
Place the sheet pan in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes total. At the 15-minute mark, flip the potatoes with a spatula. I add another light sprinkle of salt and pepper at this point.
The potatoes are done when they’re golden brown and tender. A fork should pierce them easily. The edges should be slightly crispy.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
While potatoes roast, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Break it into small pieces with your spatula or meat chopper.
Cook until completely browned, about 5-7 minutes. No pink should remain. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
Step 5: Season the Beef
Add tomato paste and taco seasoning to the cooked beef. Add a splash of water, about 2 tablespoons. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Cook for 1-2 more minutes. The mixture should be well combined and fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Prepare Fresh Components
While everything cooks, prepare your avocados. Cut them in half and remove the pit. Slice or cube the flesh. Measure out your cottage cheese.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
This is the fun part. Start with a generous portion of roasted sweet potatoes as your base. Add a serving of the seasoned taco beef on top.
Spoon cottage cheese into the bowl. Add fresh avocado slices. Finish with a generous drizzle of hot honey over everything.
The hot honey is key. Don’t skip it. The sweet-spicy combination elevates the entire dish.
Pro Tips for Success
Sweet Potato Shortcuts: Short on time? Buy pre-cut sweet potatoes from the produce section. Just season and roast. This saves 5-10 minutes of prep work.
Choosing Avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. The stem should come off easily. If it’s too hard, let it ripen at room temperature for a day or two.
Keep Avocados Fresh: Once ripe, store avocados in the refrigerator. This extends their life significantly. They’ll stay perfect for several more days.
Customize Your Bowl: Add extra toppings for more volume and variety. I love adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, or jalapeños. Fresh cilantro is another great addition.
Meal Prep Note: These components prep beautifully. Cook everything at once, then store separately. The sweet potatoes and beef keep well for up to four days.
Storage, Variations & FAQs
Storage Instructions
Store all components separately for best results. Place leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container. Do the same with the taco beef. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep cottage cheese in its original container. Store cut avocado with the pit still in, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. A squeeze of lime juice prevents browning.
When reheating, warm only the sweet potatoes and beef. Use the microwave or stovetop. Add fresh cottage cheese and avocado to each bowl. This maintains the best texture.
The hot honey keeps at room temperature indefinitely. Store it in your pantry with other condiments.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. Season the same way for similar results.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with seasoned black beans or lentils. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Different Greens: Try the beef mixture over cauliflower rice or regular greens. It works beautifully as a salad base.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild taco seasoning. Or add extra cayenne for more kick. The hot honey provides moderate heat.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cottage cheese and use guacamole instead. Or try dairy-free Greek yogurt alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Yes, but you’ll miss the spicy kick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to regular honey. Or serve with hot sauce on the side.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use about 2 tablespoons total.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Cook all components on Sunday. Store separately in the fridge. Assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. Everything keeps well for 4 days.
Why cottage cheese instead of sour cream?
Cottage cheese packs way more protein. It creates a similar creamy texture. Plus, it’s lower in calories and fat. The protein boost makes these bowls extra satisfying.
Can I freeze the components?
The seasoned beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Sweet potatoes get slightly mushy when frozen. I recommend making them fresh. Never freeze avocado or cottage cheese.
Final Thoughts
These hot honey ground beef bowls have earned their viral status. They’re simple, delicious, and genuinely satisfying. The combination of flavors and textures keeps every bite interesting.
I make them weekly now. Sometimes I prep everything Sunday and eat them all week. Other times I make them fresh for dinner. Either way, they never disappoint.
The recipe is forgiving too. Adjust seasonings to your taste. Add your favorite toppings. Make it your own.
Try these bowls this week. I promise you’ll understand the hype. They might just become your new favorite easy dinner.
Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes about 1.5 lbs, peeled and cubed into 1/4-inch pieces
- Cooking spray or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Taco Beef:
- 1 lb 93/7 lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons water
- Bowl Toppings:
- 1 cup 2% low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 medium ripe avocados sliced or cubed
- 1/4 cup hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Prep and Season Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel and wash the sweet potatoes, then cut into 1/4-inch cubes. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil and season with salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes:
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through at the 15-minute mark. Season again lightly after flipping. The potatoes are done when golden brown, tender, and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Cook Ground Beef:
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces using a spatula or meat chopper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Drain and Season:
- Drain any excess liquid from the pan. Add tomato paste, taco seasoning, and water to the beef. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Fresh Components:
- While everything cooks, slice or cube the avocados and measure out the cottage cheese.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide the roasted sweet potatoes among 4 bowls. Top each with seasoned taco beef, a portion of cottage cheese, and fresh avocado. Finish with a generous drizzle of hot honey over each bowl.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Avocado Selection: Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. The stem should come off easily. Store ripe avocados in the refrigerator to extend their freshness for several more days.
Customization Ideas: Add extra toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for more volume and variety.
Make It Your Own: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute seasoned black beans or lentils for the meat.
Hot Honey Substitute: If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Storage Instructions: Store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the sweet potatoes and taco beef before assembling bowls. Add fresh cottage cheese and avocado just before serving.
Meal Prep Tip: Cook all components on Sunday and store separately. Assemble fresh bowls throughout the week for easy, healthy meals.
Freezing: The seasoned beef freezes well for up to 3 months. Sweet potatoes may become slightly mushy when frozen, so it’s best to make them fresh. Do not freeze avocado or cottage cheese. Nutrition Information (Per Serving) Calories: 485 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 580mg Note: Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
