Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a weeknight dinner that’s as simple as it is delicious. With savory crumbled beef, vibrant shredded Brussels sprouts, and a glossy sweet chili glaze, Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is the kind of dish you’ll want to return to again and again. The combination of hearty protein and crisp-tender veggies checks every box, whether you’re craving bold flavor, balanced nutrition, or something speedy that doesn’t sacrifice excitement. This quick skillet meal is brightened with a squeeze of lime and finished with a scatter of sesame seeds—unassuming, yes, but absolutely loaded with irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a short, purposeful ingredient list, Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts comes together in a flash. Each component plays a starring role, layering in flavor, texture, and color to keep every bite interesting and completely satisfying.

• Lean Ground Beef: The heart of this dish—choose 90 percent lean for less greasiness while retaining rich, meaty flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that provides aromatic depth without the need for chopping fresh garlic.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors throughout the dish.
• Thinly Sliced Green Onions: Add gentle sharpness, freshness, and color to the beef.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Lends a subtle umami punch and keeps the dish balanced in saltiness.
• Sriracha (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
• Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil perfect for sautéing the Brussels sprouts to golden, caramelized perfection.
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts: The star veggie, offering wonderful crunch and flavor as they soak up the sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This is where the magic happens—the tangy, sticky, sweet-and-spicy element that ties everything together.
• Lime, Juiced: Brings brightness and a burst of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For a touch of nutty aroma and a pop of texture right before serving.

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Seasonings

Start by heating your largest skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a meat chopper or wooden spoon. As it begins to brown, sprinkle in the green onions, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sriracha if you like things a bit spicy. This is when aromatics and savory flavor infuse the beef, so make sure everything gets well mixed. Cook just until there’s no pink left, then scoop the beef out onto a plate to make room for the veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Drizzle a tablespoon of avocado oil into the same skillet—no need to wipe it out, since the brown bits add extra flavor. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts and give them a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté them for a few minutes until they’re softened and start to caramelize, developing those crave-worthy golden edges. The trick is not to overcrowd the pan so the sprouts stay crisp-tender, not soggy.

Step 3: Combine Everything with Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, mingling it with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, then stir until everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture bubble for another minute or two, just until the sauce thickens and glosses over the beef and vegetables. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before turning off the heat.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To finish, scatter a handful of sesame seeds over the skillet for a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal. At this point, your Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is ready to hit the table, steaming and mouthwatering. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, spoon it into lettuce cups, or enjoy it solo for a low-carb twist.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

A generous shower of toasted sesame seeds adds not just nutty aroma but also a beautiful contrast to the glossy glaze. For extra color, sprinkle on an extra handful of thinly sliced green onions or even some fresh cilantro leaves. If you love a little heat, a zigzag of extra sriracha across the top makes the dish pop visually and on your palate.

Side Dishes

Although Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts can absolutely stand alone as a complete meal, you can stretch it further with a side of steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up every bit of the sweet chili sauce. For a lighter touch, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple Asian-style cucumber salad for freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or feeling playful, spoon the saucy mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a handheld dinner, or pile it over vermicelli noodles for a fun noodle bowl experience. Turn leftovers into a meal prep box—just add a wedge of lime and some pickled vegetables on the side. Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for family dinners or a lunch-worthy meal the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Let the mixture cool, then transfer it into an airtight container. It maintains its flavor and texture surprisingly well, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping ahead of a busy week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled ground beef and Brussels sprouts into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label with the date, and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Garnish fresh right before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken are delicious substitutes and will give the dish a lighter texture and flavor. Just make sure to season well, as they tend to be milder than beef.

How do I shred Brussels sprouts quickly?

You can shred Brussels sprouts by slicing them thinly with a sharp knife, but using a food processor with the slicing attachment is much faster and creates perfectly even shreds. Many grocery stores also sell pre-shredded Brussels sprouts to save even more time!

Is the sweet chili sauce very spicy?

Sweet chili sauce is more sweet and tangy than hot, so this dish is very family-friendly. If you love spice, you can always add a bit more sriracha or even some crushed red pepper flakes to dial up the heat.

Can I make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge and is just as tasty, if not more, reheated the next day. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks—just prepare as directed, store in individual containers, and garnish fresh when ready to eat.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts besides rice?

Try it over noodles, spooned into lettuce wraps, or even alongside a bowl of miso soup or Asian slaw. The sweet and savory flavors go well with a wide range of sides, so feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and anything but boring, give Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts a go this week. It might just become your new favorite go-to for fast, flavorful dinners—there’s nothing better than seeing empty plates and happy faces after a busy day!

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