Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, you’ve found it! This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe brings together sweet and savory flavors in a way that will make your taste buds dance. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that not only delights but also nourishes those you love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress.

What makes this dish extra special is its versatility. You can serve it over rice for a hearty meal or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes needed from start to finish, this meal fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: The balance of flavors makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike—a guaranteed hit at the dinner table!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple, nutritious ingredients, this recipe ensures everyone gets their veggies without fuss.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and just sauté the brussels sprouts when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet chili sauce and lime juice creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every bite beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this delightful dish to life! Each one plays an important role in creating the delicious flavor profile that makes Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts such a favorite.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 1/2 of a lime (juiced)
– Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Variations

One great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• 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 snap peas for extra crunch and color.
• Change up the sauce: Try using teriyaki sauce instead of sweet chili for a different flavor twist.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more sriracha or even some diced jalapeños!

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, so it browns evenly. Adding green onions along with garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha, and soy sauce infuses great flavor into the meat. Once it’s cooked through, remove the beef from the skillet onto a plate to keep it warm while we work on those tasty brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Now, let’s give those brussels sprouts some love! Add avocado oil to the same skillet—this will help pick up all that wonderful flavor left behind by the beef. Toss in the shredded brussels sprouts and season them with salt and pepper. Sauté until they become soft and caramelized; this process brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet along with sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir everything together until each piece is well-coated in that delicious sauce. This step is key because it ties all those wonderful flavors together!

Step 4: Serve It Up

Finish off by sprinkling sesame seeds on top if you’d like some added crunch. Serve your Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts over rice or any other side of your choice. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Cooking this delightful dish can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some pro suggestions to elevate your culinary experience.

• Use lean ground beef: Choosing lean ground beef helps keep the dish healthier by reducing excess fat, while still providing that savory flavor we all love.

• Sauté Brussels sprouts until caramelized: Taking the time to sauté the Brussels sprouts until they’re beautifully caramelized enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.

• Balance flavors with lime juice: A splash of lime juice brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness of the beef and sweet chili sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Customize spice levels: If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t shy away from adding extra sriracha or even red pepper flakes. This allows you to personalize the dish according to your taste preferences!

• Make it a meal prep option: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Simply divide it into individual portions in airtight containers for delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Presenting your Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts beautifully can make all the difference at mealtime. Here are some creative ways to serve this flavorful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the dish’s richness.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their portion, enhancing that zesty punch.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The fluffy texture of jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sweet chili sauce, making each bite satisfying.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the beef.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with both the beef and Brussels sprouts, adding another layer of flavor.
• Simple cucumber salad: A crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a crunchy texture and acidity that cuts through the dish’s richness.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful dining experience that showcases your Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts perfectly! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring you have a nutritious and flavorful dish ready to go whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover ground beef and brussels sprouts in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the ground beef and brussels sprouts to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making this delightful recipe!

Can I use other vegetables instead of brussels sprouts?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights brussels sprouts, you can substitute them with other veggies such as broccoli or green beans. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the sriracha or reduce the amount used. The sweet chili sauce provides sweetness without too much heat!

What sides go well with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or even noodles! You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for added crunch.

Can I prepare Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts in advance?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook it ahead of time and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Is Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts healthy?

Yes! This dish offers a good balance of protein from the ground beef and fiber from the brussels sprouts, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe brings joy to your kitchen! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavors that will surely impress your family or guests. Enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Don’t hesitate to try out this dish; it’s bound to become a favorite!