Cottage Cheese Ground Beef & Hot Honey Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cottage Cheese Ground Beef & Hot Honey Bowls are a high-protein, flavor-packed meal that combines creamy cottage cheese, savory ground beef, and a sweet-spicy drizzle of hot honey. It’s a satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for lunch or dinner. Balanced with grains and veggies, it’s both nutritious and crave-worthy.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lean ground beefcottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)hot honeycooked rice or quinoachopped cucumberdiced tomatoesavocado slicesred onion (thinly sliced)olive oilsaltblack pepperpaprika or smoked paprikagarlic powderlemon juicefresh herbs (optional: parsley or cilantro)

directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add ground beef.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

While the beef cooks, prepare your bowls: add a base of rice or quinoa.

Top with a generous scoop of cottage cheese.

Add chopped cucumber, diced tomato, avocado slices, and red onion to the bowl.

Spoon the cooked ground beef over the top.

Drizzle hot honey over everything for a spicy-sweet kick.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if using.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 bowls.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesAssembly time: 5 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Use cauliflower rice instead of grains for a low-carb version.

Add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.

Top with pickled jalapeños for extra heat.

Use hummus or tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist.

storage/reheating

Store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat ground beef in a skillet or microwave before assembling bowls.Assemble fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with lentils, tofu, or plant-based crumbles.

Is hot honey very spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I use regular honey?

Yes, but you’ll lose the spicy contrast—consider adding a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce.

What kind of cottage cheese works best?

Full-fat for creaminess, but low-fat or non-fat can work too for a lighter option.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, just keep components separate and assemble when ready to eat.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely, it holds up well and makes balanced, easy-to-pack meals.

Do I have to use rice or quinoa?

No, try with couscous, bulgur, or even roasted sweet potatoes as a base.

Can I use flavored cottage cheese?

Plain is best to balance the hot honey and spices, but garlic herb could work.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it works well as a chilled bowl, especially in warmer weather.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Ground Beef & Hot Honey Bowls are a quick, protein-rich meal that delivers comfort and bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a fast dinner solution, this recipe is a delicious and nourishing option that you’ll want to make again and again.

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