Hot Honey Ground Beef Recipe

If there is one thing I have learned over the last few years of cooking for our family, it is that when a recipe goes viral, like this hot honey ground beef recipe, there is usually a good reason behind it. Sometimes it is because it is incredibly easy, sometimes because it uses simple pantry ingredients in a new way, and sometimes because the flavor combination just works.

I first came across hot honey ground beef while scrolling online and saw a hot honey ground beef bowl version keep popping up. What caught my attention wasn’t just the buzz around it, but how adaptable it seemed.

Although the original recipe included sweet potatoes, cottage cheese and avocado slices when serving, I knew I had to give the actual ground beef a try.

Ground beef is something I almost always have on hand, and hot honey is one of those ingredients I love because it instantly adds sweet heat without much effort. I also loved that the recipe could be served so many different ways, from rice bowls to wraps to lettuce cups. As someone who enjoys recipes that can stretch into more than one meal idea, this one immediately felt like a winner.

Another reason I wanted to try this recipe was how well it fit into real-life cooking. There are no complicated steps, no specialty equipment, and no long ingredient list.

It is the kind of meal you can make on a busy weeknight, but it is also interesting enough to serve when you want something a little different from your usual ground beef routine.

After making it a few times, I can honestly say this recipe lives up to the hype.

What Makes Hot Honey Ground Beef So Popular

Hot honey itself has become incredibly popular over the last few years, and for good reason. It combines sweetness and spice in a way that enhances everything from pizza to chicken to roasted vegetables.

When paired with ground beef, it transforms a simple protein into something exciting. The honey caramelizes slightly as it cooks, creating a glossy coating that clings to the beef and locks in flavor.

The savory richness of ground beef pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey and the gentle heat from chili flakes or hot sauce. When you add in a few more ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, or a splash of vinegar, the flavors become layered and bold without being overpowering.

Another reason this recipe works so well is its flexibility. You can adjust the level of heat, sweetness, or saltiness to match your personal taste. Then choose how you want to serve it to make it different and exciting each time.

Ingredients You Will Need

One of my favorite things about this hot honey ground beef recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Everything is easy to find, and most of it is probably already in your kitchen.

You will need lean ground beef, hot honey, soy sauce, garlic, onion, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. Salt and black pepper round everything out, and a bit of green onion or parsley makes a great finishing touch.

If you like a little extra heat, you can always add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you prefer things milder, simply reduce the amount of hot honey or balance it with a touch more vinegar.

How I Make Hot Honey Ground Beef

I like to start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a small amount of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, I add finely diced onion and cook it until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. This step builds a flavorful base and helps the finished dish taste more rounded.

Next, I add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. I let it cook until it is fully browned, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly. Once the beef is browned, I drain off any excess grease if needed. Using lean ground beef usually minimizes this step, which I appreciate.

At this point, I add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly, so I am careful not to let it burn.

Then comes the flavor boost. I stir in the soy sauce, hot honey, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. As soon as these ingredients hit the pan, the aroma changes, and you can really smell the sweet and spicy notes coming together.

I let everything simmer for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef. A quick taste lets me decide if it needs more salt, pepper, or heat. Once it is just right, I remove it from the heat and finish it with chopped green onions.

Hot Honey Ground Beef Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons hot honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add the hot honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar. Stir well and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions before serving.

How To Serve Hot Honey Ground Beef

One of the best parts of this recipe is how many ways you can serve it. I have made it several different ways, depending on what I have on hand or what kind of meal I am in the mood for.

Serving it over steamed rice is probably the most common option, and for good reason. The rice soaks up the sauce and balances the heat beautifully. It is also fantastic spooned into tortillas for quick wraps or tacos. Add a little shredded lettuce and a drizzle of ranch or yogurt sauce, and you have a complete meal.

For a lighter option, I like serving hot honey ground beef in lettuce cups. Butter lettuce or romaine works well and gives a nice crunch.

You can also make it a Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowl and serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes, cottage cheese and avocado slices. Believe me, it may sound a little odd, but the flavor combination works!

Tips For The Best Results

Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish from becoming greasy and allows the sauce to cling better to the meat. Cooking the onion first adds sweetness and depth, so I never skip that step.

When it comes to hot honey, start with a smaller amount if you are unsure about heat, then adjust as you go.

Letting the sauce simmer briefly is key. This step thickens the sauce and helps all of the flavors come together. It only takes a few minutes but makes a big difference in the final result.

Why This Recipe Is A Keeper In My House

After making this hot honey ground beef recipe a few times, I understand why it went viral. It is quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. It turns a basic ingredient into something exciting without requiring much effort. For me, that is exactly what a great recipe should do.

It has become one of those meals I can rely on when I need something fast but still want bold flavor.

If you are looking for another great viral recipe try this Homemade Crunchwrap recipe. It’s a great take on the popular fast food menu item.

Enjoy! Mary

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