Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is just what you need! Imagine the sweet and savory flavors of tender brussels sprouts paired with juicy ground beef, all ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even casual family gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is special not only for its incredible taste but also for its versatility. You can easily adjust it to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in those nutritious brussels sprouts that everyone should enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip this up even on the busiest days.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The sweet chili sauce adds a delightful flavor that kids and grown-ups alike will adore.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, this meal is both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile Dish: Feel free to mix up the ingredients based on what you have at home—this recipe can be easily customized!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe are simple and wholesome. Each one adds a unique flavor that contributes to the overall deliciousness of the dish. Let’s gather these goodies before we dive into cooking!

For the Beef

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

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! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to different tastes, here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Change up the sauce: Try teriyaki or hoisin sauce if you want a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Increase the sriracha or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

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 well with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Add in those thinly sliced green onions along with garlic powder, sriracha, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cooking it until browned not only develops flavor but also ensures your beef is tender and juicy.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Once your beef is cooked through, transfer it onto a plate. In that same skillet, add a tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in your shredded brussels sprouts and season them with salt and pepper. Sautéing these until they are soft and caramelized brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a lovely golden color.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your cooked ground beef back into the skillet with those beautifully sautéed brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce along with lime juice, stirring well until everything is perfectly coated. This step melds all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 4: Serve It Up

To finish off this delightful dish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve over rice or any other side of your choice! This makes for a lovely presentation that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.

And there you have it—your delicious Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dinner is ready to be enjoyed! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Cooking is all about finding joy in the process, and these tips will help you create the best version of this dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh brussels sprouts and high-quality ground beef can make a world of difference in flavor and texture. Fresh produce adds vibrancy to your dish, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.

• Adjust the heat level: The sriracha is optional, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference. This flexibility allows you to cater to both mild and spicy palates, making it a versatile meal for everyone.

• Don’t overcook the brussels sprouts: Aim for caramelization without mushiness. Perfectly cooked brussels sprouts have a delightful crunch that complements the ground beef beautifully, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

• Experiment with sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out sweet chili sauce for teriyaki or hoisin sauce. This simple change can transform the flavor profile and keep your meals exciting!

• Make it a meal prep option: This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can enjoy leftovers throughout the week, saving time while still enjoying delicious home-cooked meals.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Serving this dish is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness that complements the sweet chili sauce perfectly.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze extra lime juice over their portion for an added zesty kick.
• Chili flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes can give an extra layer of heat if desired, appealing to those who love a spicy touch.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The subtle aroma and fluffy texture of jasmine rice pair wonderfully with this dish, helping soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing crunch that balances the savory flavors of the ground beef.
• Garlic sautéed green beans: These vibrant green beans add color and a crisp texture to your plate, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory notes in the dish, providing a healthy and hearty side option.

By following these suggestions, you can create a beautiful spread that’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This sweet chili ground beef and brussels sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily store leftovers or make it in advance for quick weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the ground beef and brussels sprouts mixture into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked dish cool completely.
• Portion out the mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or microwave on high in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.

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

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add some red pepper flakes when sautéing the brussels sprouts. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

What should I serve with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even noodles. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Can I prepare Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating later.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish as much as I do! It’s a wonderfully balanced meal that brings together sweet and savory flavors in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking!