Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean works best for flavor and moisture)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey (use wildflower honey for a more complex flavor)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (I prefer a smoky chipotle or classic sriracha)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (for a light, fragrant base)
- 1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli florets (or your favorite green vegetable)
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
- Optional: a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness
If you don’t have ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, although I personally love the richness that beef brings to this dish. For a vegan twist, swap the meat for crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building a sweet base flavor—reminds me of how Nonna Rosa would patiently sweat onions to perfection before adding any other ingredients.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. This is where the kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma that instantly makes you feel at home.
- Season the beef with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef and stir well to coat it evenly. Let it simmer on low for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- While the beef simmers, prepare your rice and steam or roast your broccoli. I like to roast broccoli tossed in olive oil and a pinch of salt at 400°F for about 15 minutes for a bit of caramelization.
- To assemble, spoon a generous portion of rice into each bowl, top with the spicy-sweet beef, and add the green veggies on the side.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and, if you like, a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors.
- Serve immediately and savor the comforting, spicy-sweet balance that reminds me of family dinners filled with laughter and love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
