This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that brings together sweet, spicy, and savory elements in one satisfying meal. It’s inspired by a viral TikTok recipe, and I totally get the hype. With saucy ground beef, sticky hot honey, and fresh toppings over rice, it hits all the right notes—comforting, quick, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick this recipe is to make—it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The balance of spicy chili crisp and sweet honey makes the beef irresistible, and I can customize the toppings to fit my mood. Whether I want a refreshing crunch from cucumbers or a creamy kick from spicy mayo, this bowl never disappoints. Plus, it’s just fun to eat.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef (I use 85/15 or 90/10 lean)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili crisp (or more for heat)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)
1 tablespoon oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)
2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
Topping Ideas:
Thinly sliced cucumbers
Shredded carrots
Sliced avocado
Spicy mayo (mix 2 tbsp mayo + 1 tsp sriracha)
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Directions
In a large skillet, I heat the oil over medium-high heat.
I add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through—about 6–8 minutes.
I drain any excess fat if needed, then lower the heat to medium.
I stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, chili crisp, honey, and sriracha.
I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat the beef until the sauce thickens slightly.
I divide the cooked rice into bowls, spoon the hot honey ground beef on top, and layer on my favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 25 minutes total—15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. It’s one of the fastest meals I’ve made that still feels complete and satisfying.
Variations
Protein swap: I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Make it vegetarian: I’ve tried this with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat, and it works beautifully.
Different grains: I serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Topping twist: Kimchi, pickled onions, or a fried egg all take this bowl to the next level.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot. I usually store the toppings separately to keep them fresh and crisp.
FAQs
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to medium kick, depending on how much chili crisp and sriracha I use. I adjust both to control the heat level.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the ground beef and toppings ahead, then reheat and assemble when ready to eat. It makes meal prep easy.
What kind of rice works best?
I love using jasmine or short-grain white rice, but any rice works—brown, basmati, or even microwave rice packets if I’m in a rush.
Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Absolutely. I sometimes drizzle store-bought hot honey on top for extra flavor, but the homemade version in the sauce is just as good.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but I make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and checking that my chili crisp is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl is my go-to for a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t cut corners. It’s easy to personalize, reheats well, and has that perfect mix of sweet heat that keeps me coming back for more. Whether I’m feeding family or just need a solo meal in minutes, this bowl always delivers.
A quick and flavorful meal featuring sweet and spicy hot honey ground beef served over rice with customizable toppings. Inspired by a viral TikTok recipe, it’s perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili crisp (or more for heat)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)
1 tablespoon oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
2 cups cooked white rice
Thinly sliced cucumbers (optional topping)
Shredded carrots (optional topping)
Sliced avocado (optional topping)
Spicy mayo (2 tbsp mayo + 1 tsp sriracha, optional topping)
Green onions (optional topping)
Sesame seeds (optional topping)
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef, break apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain excess fat if needed, then reduce heat to medium.
Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, chili crisp, honey, and sriracha.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat beef until sauce thickens slightly.
Divide cooked rice into bowls, top with hot honey ground beef, and add desired toppings.
Notes
Adjust chili crisp and sriracha to control spice level.
Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Store toppings separately to maintain freshness.
Great for meal prep—store in the fridge up to 3 days.
