Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, then this recipe for Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is just what you need! With its delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, it brings comfort to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this dish fits right in. Trust me; once you try it, it might just become a regular on your menu!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This meal takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet chili sauce and fresh Brussels sprouts create a taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutritious veggies, it’s a wholesome choice for any dinner.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice or with your favorite grain—this dish is adaptable to your family’s preferences!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients in advance, making weeknight cooking even easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! They’re easy to find and come together beautifully in this flavor-packed 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Try different sauces: Substitute sweet chili sauce with teriyaki or hoisin for a new twist on flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more sriracha or some red pepper flakes to kick things up!

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by adding the ground beef to a large skillet. As it cooks, crumble it with a spatula. Mixing in green onions along with garlic powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sriracha (if using) will infuse great flavor into the meat. Once fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes—remove it from the skillet onto a plate. This step helps develop those savory flavors that make this dish so special!

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts along with some salt and pepper. Sauté these little greens until they soften and caramelize—about 5-8 minutes. Caramelizing brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing their flavor beautifully.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time to reunite our ingredients! Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with those lovely Brussels sprouts. Pour in sweet chili sauce and lime juice, stirring everything together until well-coated. This is where all those fantastic flavors meld into one amazing dish!

Step 4: Serve It Up

For an elegant finish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. You can enjoy this delicious mixture over rice or any grain of your choice. Trust me; every bite will be bursting with flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Making this delightful dish is a breeze, but a few extra tips can help you perfect it!

• Use lean ground beef: Opting for lean ground beef reduces the fat content while keeping the protein high, making your meal healthier without sacrificing flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cooking the brussels sprouts in batches if needed allows them to caramelize properly, giving them that delicious, sweet flavor and crispy texture.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce. This flexibility ensures that you can customize the dish to suit your taste.

• Fresh lime juice is key: Always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled; it brightens up the flavors and adds a vibrant zing that perfectly complements the savory elements.

• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking. The flavors meld beautifully when served hot, ensuring every bite is as delicious as possible!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

This scrumptious dish not only tastes great but also looks stunning on any dinner table! Here are some ideas for presenting Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Green onion slices: A sprinkle of extra green onions adds color and freshness, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully complements this dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Light and fluffy jasmine rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up all those wonderful sauces.
• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a healthy crunch and pairs nicely with the savory beef.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts wonderfully with the savory flavors of the main dish while providing additional nutrients.
• Garlic sautéed green beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in garlic add color and extra fiber to your meal, rounding out your dinner plate beautifully.

Enjoy creating this easy yet flavorful meal! Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked ground beef and brussels sprouts cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, use the microwave; heat in increments of 1 minute, stirring in between.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

How can I make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts spicier?

To amp up the heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add some red pepper flakes while cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or even over a bed of leafy greens. It’s versatile enough to complement many sides!

Can I make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts without soy sauce?

Yes! You can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free option that still delivers great flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this flavorful Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to bring sweet and savory together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weekdays, it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!