Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that can please the whole family, you’ve come to the right place! This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is one of my go-to favorites. It’s packed with flavor and can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The sweet chili sauce paired with savory ground beef creates a delightful harmony that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What makes this dish even more special is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, you’ll find that it’s a breeze to whip up. Plus, the combination of wholesome ingredients makes it not only tasty but also nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can serve up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making this dish a hit at the dinner table.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and veggies, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or sauces to suit your taste.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and simply heat it up when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find at your local grocery store. You’ll love how they come together to create such an amazing dish!

For the Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 pound shredded brussels sprouts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/2 of a lime (juiced)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more sriracha or even some diced jalapeños.
• Change the sauce: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin for a unique twist.

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by adding the ground beef to a large skillet. Crumble it as it cooks, and then add in those lovely green onions along with garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha (if using), and soy sauce. Cooking everything together helps meld those flavors beautifully. Once it’s browned all over, remove it from the skillet onto a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

In that same skillet, pour in a tablespoon of avocado oil. Add your shredded brussels sprouts next. Season them with salt and pepper as they cook. Sautéing until they’re soft and caramelized brings out their natural sweetness—trust me; you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once your sprouts are perfectly sautéed, add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet along with sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir everything together until every bite is coated in that delicious sauce. This step ensures all those wonderful flavors blend harmoniously.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch if you’d like! Serve your Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts over rice or any other side dish you enjoy. This meal is sure to impress anyone who gets to share it with you!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Cooking can be a delightful journey, especially with a dish as delicious as this one! Here are some handy tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time.

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps to reduce the fat content of the dish, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor. It keeps your meal light and satisfying!

• Pre-shred Brussels sprouts: If you can find pre-shredded Brussels sprouts at your grocery store, go for them! They save you time and effort in the kitchen while still delivering that wonderful caramelized flavor.

• Adjust spice levels: Don’t hesitate to modify the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference. This allows everyone at the table to enjoy the dish just the way they like it.

• Cook in batches: If you’re making a larger quantity, consider cooking the beef and Brussels sprouts in batches. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding in the pan, which helps achieve that perfect caramelization.

• Experiment with sauces: Feel free to swap out sweet chili sauce for other sauces like teriyaki or hoisin. Mixing things up keeps this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Presenting your dish beautifully can enhance the dining experience significantly. Here are some ideas on how to serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts that will wow your family or guests!

Garnishes

• Green onions: A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and an elegant touch to finish off this dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine rice: The soft texture of jasmine rice complements the savory flavors of the ground beef while soaking up all those delicious sauces.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with lime dressing adds a crisp contrast, balancing the richness of the main dish.
• Garlic sautéed bok choy: This simple side dish is full of nutrients and provides an additional touch of Asian flair that pairs wonderfully with the main course.
• Quinoa: For a hearty alternative, serve fluffy quinoa alongside; it offers a nutty flavor and adds extra protein!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an enjoyable meal that impresses everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can prepare this dish in advance and have it ready whenever hunger strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ground beef and brussels sprouts in an airtight container.
• Keep the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If possible, separate the sauce from the beef and brussels sprouts to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave in short bursts (about 1 minute), stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I customize the sweet chili sauce in the Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try adding honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. You can also adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it over noodles or alongside roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.

Is Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts healthy?

Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from lean ground beef and fiber from brussels sprouts, making it a nutritious choice for dinner. Plus, it’s quick to prepare!

Can I use other vegetables instead of brussels sprouts?

Certainly! Feel free to substitute with other veggies like broccoli or green beans. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How long does it take to make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This recipe is designed for busy nights, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe! Its balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it truly special. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me!