Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that brings everyone to the table, this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is your answer! I adore this dish because it strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

What truly sets this dish apart is how easily it comes together in just 30 minutes! You can even prep some ingredients ahead of time to make it even easier when you’re ready to cook. Trust me; once you taste this delightful mix of flavors, you’ll understand why it’s one of my cherished recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic nights.
• Family-friendly: The sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully with the savory beef, pleasing even picky eaters.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as is or over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps!
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with lean beef and nutritious Brussels sprouts, it’s a wholesome meal choice.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep the ingredients earlier in the day for an even quicker cook time later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and simple, and this recipe uses easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Let’s gather what we need for this delightful Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish!

For the 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 Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Heat things up: Increase the sriracha for those who love a spicy kick!
• Try different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki or hoisin sauce if sweet chili isn’t your thing.

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Start by adding your ground beef to a large skillet. Crumble it as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once it’s nice and browned, add in those vibrant green onions along with garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha, and soy sauce. This step is essential because these seasonings will infuse the meat with wonderful flavor. Once cooked through, remove it from the skillet onto a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in your shredded Brussels sprouts seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté them until they soften and caramelize. This process brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a lovely texture that complements the beef perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add that cooked ground beef back into your skillet with the sautéed Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and lime juice, stirring until everything is well coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor!

Step 4: Serve It Up

Finish off your dish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch if desired. Serve hot over rice or any other preferred base. Enjoy each delicious bite knowing you’ve created something special in just half an hour!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps minimize the fat content in your dish, making it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Don’t skip the green onions: They add a fresh crunch and vibrant flavor that beautifully complements the savory elements of the dish.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Sweet chili sauce varies in sweetness; feel free to adjust the quantity based on your preference for sweetness or spice.
• Cook Brussels sprouts until caramelized: This enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall flavor profile of your meal.
• Feel free to customize: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

This sweet chili ground beef and Brussels sprouts dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Here are some ways you can present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime just before serving enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• Sliced red chilies: For those who love a bit of heat, they can provide both color and spice!

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Light and fluffy, jasmine rice offers a great base that soaks up all the delicious sauce from the beef and sprouts.
• Quinoa salad: A nutty quinoa salad with diced cucumbers and tomatoes adds texture and a refreshing contrast to this hearty meal.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the ground beef.
• Cucumber salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed with vinegar adds a crunchy, tangy element that balances the richness of the main dish.

With these serving suggestions, you can create an inviting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy your cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish is perfect for meal prep! With its quick cooking time and flavorful ingredients, you can easily make it ahead of time for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For easy serving, consider portioning it into individual servings before freezing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• Add a splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use different vegetables with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute brussels sprouts with other vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option!

Is Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet chili sauce adds a delightful sweetness that kids usually love. You can adjust the spice level by omitting sriracha if desired.

Can I make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts in advance?

Definitely! This recipe stores well and is great for meal prepping. Follow the storage guidelines above for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe finds a special place on your dinner table! It’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights. I encourage you to give it a try; you might just discover a new family favorite. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!