For a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying, Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts delivers bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a balance of textures in one skillet. This dish combines lean ground beef with shredded Brussels sprouts, creating a meal that’s high in protein, fiber, and flavor. Finished with a touch of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice, it’s a dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spicy if you add sriracha.

Brussels sprouts often get a bad reputation for being bitter or unappealing, but when cooked properly with complementary ingredients like ground beef, garlic, and sweet chili sauce, they transform into a tender, flavorful component of a hearty meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a simple, nutritious lunch.

The key to success lies in balancing flavors: the saltiness from soy sauce, the sweetness from sweet chili sauce, the freshness of lime, and the heat from optional sriracha. Combined with the richness of ground beef and the slight crunch of Brussels sprouts, each bite is satisfying and flavorful.

Before we start cooking, let’s review the ingredients, their purpose in the dish, and how to best prepare them for maximum taste and texture.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

• 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)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

These ingredients combine to create a dish that is savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and packed with texture. Ground beef provides protein and richness, Brussels sprouts add fiber and a mild bitterness that balances the sauce, and green onions, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce amplify flavor. A splash of lime brightens the dish, while sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a perfect example of a balanced one-pan meal:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef cooks quickly, browns well, and provides a rich, savory foundation. Garlic powder enhances its flavor, and soy sauce adds umami depth.

Brussels Sprouts: Shredded Brussels sprouts cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the beef and sauces. Their slight crunch contrasts nicely with tender beef.

Sauces and Seasonings: Sweet chili sauce adds mild sweetness, soy sauce provides savory umami, sriracha brings heat (optional), and lime juice balances the richness with brightness.

Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: These finishing touches elevate the dish, adding color, freshness, and a subtle nutty flavor.

The combination of quick cooking, proper seasoning, and layering of flavors ensures that each bite is satisfying and complex despite being simple to prepare.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Ingredients

Before starting, wash and shred the Brussels sprouts if they are not pre-shredded. Slice green onions thinly, measure out your sauces, and gather all spices. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Drain any excess fat if necessary, leaving a small amount to help flavor the Brussels sprouts during cooking.

3. Add Green Onions and Sauce

Add sliced green onions to the skillet, stirring for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened. Add soy sauce and sriracha (if using). Stir to combine and allow the beef to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

4. Cook the Brussels Sprouts

Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking can lead to mushy sprouts, so keep an eye on their texture.

5. Add Sweet Chili Sauce and Lime

Pour in the sweet chili sauce and squeeze the juice of half a lime over the skillet. Stir well to coat both the beef and Brussels sprouts evenly. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the dish to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot, either on its own, over steamed rice, or alongside noodles for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve over jasmine, basmati, or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss with rice noodles or udon for a comforting stir-fry style meal.
• As a Bowl: Top with avocado slices or a fried egg for an extra-rich, filling dish.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers for a quick, protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Shredded Brussels Sprouts: Shredded sprouts cook faster and blend better with the beef. Whole sprouts take longer and may not integrate as well.
• Control Heat: Adjust sriracha based on your spice preference. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if desired.
• Balance Flavors: Lime juice brightens the dish. Taste before adding and adjust to your preference.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Crowding causes the vegetables to steam rather than sauté, leading to soggy Brussels sprouts.
• Optional Crunch: Toasted sesame seeds enhance texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients:

• Protein: Ground beef provides a high-quality protein source.
• Fiber and Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
• Healthy Fats: Using avocado oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Balanced Flavors: Low sodium soy sauce and moderate sweet chili sauce help manage sodium and sugar intake while maintaining flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing: While the beef and Brussels sprouts can be frozen, texture may soften upon thawing. Freeze only if necessary.
• Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Add fresh lime juice before serving to maintain brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner alternative. Cooking time may vary slightly.

2. Can I omit the sriracha?
Absolutely. The dish is flavorful without heat, but sriracha adds a gentle kick.

3. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first. They may release more moisture during cooking, so adjust cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

4. What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice work well. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.

5. How do I make it more filling?
Adding rice, quinoa, or cooked noodles can turn this into a complete meal. You can also top it with a fried or poached egg for extra protein.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that balances savory, sweet, and tangy elements. With minimal prep and cooking time, this recipe delivers a protein-packed meal full of nutrients and bold flavor. The combination of tender Brussels sprouts, savory beef, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of lime ensures every bite is satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or creating a quick lunch, this dish is versatile, nutritious, and downright delicious. Its balance of textures, vibrant flavors, and ease of preparation make it a reliable addition to your dinner rotation.