Are you stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, cycling through the same old spaghetti bolognese and shepherd’s pie? We’ve all been there. Sometimes, you just crave something new, something exciting, something that tantalises the taste buds with a perfect dance of sweet, spicy, and savoury. If that sounds like you, then we have the perfect solution that’s about to become your new go-to meal: the utterly irresistible Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl.

Imagine this: tender, juicy beef mince, perfectly browned and swimming in a glistening, sticky glaze. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a magical concoction of golden honey providing a mellow sweetness, fiery chilli flakes bringing a welcome kick of heat, and savoury soy sauce adding a deep, umami richness. Spooned over a bed of fluffy, steaming rice and scattered with fresh spring onions and crunchy sesame seeds, this dish is a textural and flavourful masterpiece. It’s the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that feels like a takeaway treat but comes together in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is a true champion for busy families, couples looking for an easy yet impressive date-night-in dish, or anyone who loves a flavour-packed meal without the fuss. It’s wonderfully customisable, budget-friendly, and delivers a huge flavour payoff for very little effort. If you enjoy other quick and easy bowl meals like our popular Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls, you are guaranteed to fall head over heels for this sweet and spicy beef version.

Recipe Overview

This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is a modern, Asian-inspired dish that capitalises on the wildly popular sweet-and-spicy flavour combination. The star of the show is the homemade hot honey sauce, which transforms simple beef mince into something truly special. It’s an incredibly straightforward recipe, making it perfect for novice cooks, yet the depth of flavour will impress even the most seasoned foodies. Expect a rich, slightly sticky beef mixture with a noticeable but balanced warmth, served as a complete and satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

• Incredible Flavour: We can’t say it enough! The balance here is just exquisite. The sweet floral notes of the honey perfectly cut through the richness of the beef, while the hot chilli flakes provide a gentle warmth that builds with every bite. The soy sauce and rice vinegar add a savoury, tangy backbone that ties everything together into one cohesive, addictive meal.
• Quick & Easy: This is the ultimate 30-minute wonder. With minimal chopping and a straightforward cooking process in a single pan, you can have a delicious dinner on the table faster than you can decide on a takeaway. It’s a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights.
• Versatile and Customisable: This bowl is a fantastic base for customisation. Don’t have beef mince? Try it with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu. You can bulk it up with vegetables like broccoli, peppers, or carrots, and serve it over quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Perfect For Meal Prep: This recipe is a dream for meal prepping. The flavours actually meld and become even more delicious overnight. Simply portion it out into containers with your rice and you have healthy, satisfying lunches ready for the week ahead.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser: The flavour profile has universal appeal. It’s sophisticated enough for adults but also a hit with older children, especially as you can easily control the spice level. It’s a guaranteed winner for a casual family dinner.

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

⏱️ 10 min prep  •  🍳 20 min cook  •  👥 4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best results, we recommend using a good quality lean beef mince with around 15% fat content. The fat adds a huge amount of flavour and ensures the beef stays juicy. You can find all these ingredients easily at your local supermarket.

• For the Beef Bowl:
• 500g lean beef mince (10-15% fat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium brown onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 400g cooked rice (we love jasmine or basmati), to serve
•  
• For the Hot Honey Sauce:
• 80ml runny honey
• 60ml reduced-salt soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons red chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 2 teaspoons cold water
•  
• For the Garnish (Optional but Recommended):
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• A handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
• Thinly sliced red chilli

Pro Tip: Using reduced-salt soy sauce is key to controlling the saltiness of the final dish, as the sauce will reduce and concentrate. If you only have regular soy sauce, consider using slightly less to start and tasting before adding more.

How to Make Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

This process is incredibly simple and all happens in one pan, which means less washing up! We’ll start by making the sauce, then cook the beef and aromatics, and finally combine everything for that perfect, sticky glaze.

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the runny honey, reduced-salt soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red chilli flakes until well combined. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornflour and cold water together to create a smooth slurry. Set both aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large, deep frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and once it’s shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another 60 seconds, stirring constantly until they become wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn.
4. Brown the Beef Mince: Add the beef mince to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned all over and no pink remains. The key to flavour is achieving a good brown crust through a process called the Maillard reaction.
5. Drain the Fat: Once cooked, carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess fat that has rendered from the beef. This step is crucial for a clean, non-greasy sauce.
6. Pour in the Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium and pour your prepared hot honey sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure every piece of beef is coated.
7. Simmer and Thicken: Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble away for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly.
8. Add the Slurry: Give your cornflour slurry a quick re-stir, then pour it into the pan. Continue to stir constantly for another 1-2 minutes. You will see the sauce magically transform, thickening into a beautiful, glossy glaze that clings to the beef mince.
9. Serve and Garnish: Your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is ready! Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Spoon the hot honey beef generously over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh coriander, and extra chilli if you dare. Serve immediately and enjoy the chorus of compliments.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

• Temperature Matters: Once you add the sauce to the pan, keep the heat at a medium simmer. If the heat is too high, the honey can burn and become bitter before the sauce has a chance to thicken properly.
• Don’t Skip Draining the Fat: We mentioned it in the steps, but it’s worth repeating! Taking a moment to drain the excess grease makes a world of difference. It ensures your final dish is rich and flavourful, not oily.
• Make It Ahead: You can cook the beef and sauce mixture completely, then let it cool and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in a pan over a medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. Cook the rice fresh for the best texture.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavours will continue to develop, making it a fantastic next-day lunch.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few of our favourite ways to change things up:

• Extra Spicy Version: If you’re a true heat-seeker, add a teaspoon of sriracha, gochujang paste, or your favourite chilli garlic sauce into the hot honey mixture for an extra layer of flavour and fire.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: This dish works beautifully with plant-based alternatives. Substitute the beef mince with crumbled firm tofu, cooked lentils, or a quality plant-based mince. Simply follow the recipe as written.
• Low-Carb Ground Beef Bowl: For a lighter meal, skip the rice. Serve the hot honey beef over a bed of cauliflower rice, zoodles (courgette noodles), or with a side of steamed broccoli and green beans. It’s just as delicious and satisfying, much like our Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

While this is a fantastic all-in-one meal, a simple side dish can elevate it even further. We love serving it with something fresh and green to cut through the richness.

• Steamed or Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli: A simple side of broccoli drizzled with a little sesame oil perfectly complements the flavours of the bowl.
• Quick Cucumber Salad: Thinly slice a cucumber and toss it with a splash of rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and some sesame seeds for a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
• Beverage Pairing: A crisp, cold lager or a floral IPA works wonderfully. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled iced green tea is a perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl

A quick and flavourful weeknight meal featuring savoury ground beef coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, served over fluffy rice.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Beef Bowl:
• 500 g lean beef mince 10-15% fat
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 medium brown onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced or finely grated
• 1- inch piece of fresh ginger grated
• 400 g cooked rice we love jasmine or basmati, to serve
•  
• For the Hot Honey Sauce:
• 80 ml runny honey
• 60 ml reduced-salt soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons red chilli flakes adjust to your spice preference
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 2 teaspoons cold water
•  
• For the Garnish Optional but Recommended:
• 2 spring onions thinly sliced

Method

 

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl or jug, whisk together the runny honey, reduced-salt soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red chilli flakes until well combined. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornflour and cold water together to create a smooth slurry. Set both aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Place a large, deep frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and once it's shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another 60 seconds, stirring constantly until they become wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn.
4. Brown the Beef Mince: Add the beef mince to the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned all over and no pink remains. The key to flavour is achieving a good brown crust through a process called the Maillard reaction.
5. Drain the Fat: Once cooked, carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess fat that has rendered from the beef. This step is crucial for a clean, non-greasy sauce.
6. Pour in the Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium and pour your prepared hot honey sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure every piece of beef is coated.
7. Simmer and Thicken: Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble away for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly.
8. Add the Slurry: Give your cornflour slurry a quick re-stir, then pour it into the pan. Continue to stir constantly for another 1-2 minutes. You will see the sauce magically transform, thickening into a beautiful, glossy glaze that clings to the beef mince.
9. Serve and Garnish: Your Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl is ready! Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Spoon the hot honey beef generously over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh coriander, and extra chilli if you dare. Serve immediately and enjoy the chorus of compliments.

Notes

Serve immediately. For extra flavour and texture, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh coriander, and extra chilli if you dare.

We are so excited for you to try this amazing Ground Beef Hot Honey Bowl. It’s a recipe that truly delivers on all fronts: it’s quick, it’s bursting with an addictive sweet and spicy flavour, and it’s versatile enough to become a staple in your meal rotation. Forget boring weeknight dinners; it’s time to bring some excitement back to your kitchen. Give this recipe a go, and let us know what you think in the comments below – we love hearing about your creations!