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Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl (Viral TikTok) | Spicy, Sweet & High Protein Meal Prep Win

TikTok has been the birthplace of countless viral recipes, and one of the most popular ones to take the spotlight recently is the Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. It’s spicy, sweet, savory, and high in protein—a perfect balance of flavors and nutrition in one colorful bowl. At its heart, this recipe combines lean ground beef seasoned with taco spices, roasted sweet potatoes dusted with cinnamon and paprika, and creamy cottage cheese for an extra protein boost. Add a drizzle of hot honey and fresh avocado on top, and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal-prep bowl or quick weeknight dinner. This recipe is not just trendy—it’s practical. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying dish that fuels your body while keeping your taste buds happy. Let’s dive into this irresistible bowl that’s equal parts healthy, comforting, and Insta-worthy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics:
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
Dairy:
  • 1 cup cottage cheese low-fat or full-fat
  • Condiments & Sweetener:
  • 2 tbsp hot honey store-bought or homemade
Seasonings:
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Oil:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Sweet Potatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, for 6–7 minutes until browned.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and garlic powder. Mix well and cook another 2 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
  1. Divide roasted sweet potatoes into bowls.
  2. Top with seasoned ground beef.
  3. Add a scoop of cottage cheese and slices of avocado.
Step 4: Drizzle & Garnish
  1. Drizzle hot honey over each bowl.
  2. Garnish with extra paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Serve warm immediately, or portion into containers for meal prep.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store assembled bowls (without avocado and honey) in containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze beef and sweet potatoes separately for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm beef and sweet potatoes in the microwave or skillet, then add cottage cheese, avocado, and hot honey before serving.
🥄 Variations
Extra Protein: Swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt or add a fried egg on top.
Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with black beans, chickpeas, or lentils.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the beef.
Low-Carb: Swap sweet potatoes for roasted cauliflower or zucchini.
Different Proteins: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu crumbles.
❓ 10 FAQs
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet and spicy kick.
Can I make homemade hot honey?
Yes, just heat honey with red pepper flakes until infused.
Do I have to use cottage cheese?
No, you can swap with Greek yogurt, ricotta, or sour cream.
Is this bowl good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully.
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes give a better sweet-spicy balance.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of hot honey or add extra chili flakes.
What toppings go well with this bowl?
Fresh cilantro, lime juice, or shredded cheese.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cottage cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Perfect for larger families or weekly meal prep.
Is this high in protein?
Yes, with lean beef and cottage cheese, each serving provides about 30–35g protein.
🏁 Conclusion
This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl proves why it went viral on TikTok—it’s a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, savory, and creamy. Between the seasoned beef, roasted sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, and avocado, you get a balanced, high-protein meal that’s ideal for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Simple, trendy, and packed with flavor, this bowl is more than just a viral hit—it’s a meal-prep winner that deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.