Discover the delightful fusion of savory ground beef and tender caramelized Brussels sprouts, all glazed with a luscious sweet chili sauce. This vibrant skillet dish bursts with balanced flavors and comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome lunch.
From the first sizzle of browned beef to the sweet heat of chili and lime, this meal offers a comforting yet exciting twist that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an easy way to enjoy nutrient-rich veggies and protein in one satisfying plate.
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Includes nutrient-packed Brussels sprouts to boost your meal’s health value.
- Versatile dish ideal for serving over rice, noodles, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: One pound of lean ground beef provides a rich source of protein and a hearty base for the dish.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon adds savory depth and a subtle aromatic note enhancing the beef.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, seasoning these ensures optimal flavor balance throughout cooking.
- Green onions: One-third cup thinly sliced, contributing mild onion flavor and freshness to the beef.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Two tablespoons add umami richness without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sriracha (optional): One teaspoon for a gentle kick of heat that complements the sweet chili sauce.
- Avocado oil: One tablespoon used for sautéing Brussels sprouts, chosen for its high smoke point and healthy fats.
- Shredded Brussels sprouts: One pound, shredded to cook quickly and caramelize evenly for a tender texture.
- Sweet chili sauce: Half a cup provides a perfect balance of sweetness and mild spice that coats the ingredients beautifully.
- Lime juice: Juice of half a lime adds a bright, zesty tang to lift the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkled on top for an appealing nutty crunch and garnish.
Instructions
- Cook and crumble the ground beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the meat evenly as it browns. This breaks the beef into bite-sized pieces and allows it to cook uniformly, creating a delicious foundation for the dish.
- Season the beef mixture
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Add sliced green onions, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and optional sriracha directly to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. The seasoning layers infuse the beef with savory, spicy, and umami notes, enhancing depth of flavor.
- Remove cooked beef and prepare skillet for vegetables
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Once the beef is cooked through and well-seasoned, transfer it to a plate. This prevents overcooking and allows you to use the same skillet to sauté the Brussels sprouts for added flavor from the beef drippings.
- Sauté shredded Brussels sprouts
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Add a tablespoon of avocado oil to the skillet and toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat until the sprouts soften and caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Caramelization adds sweetness and reduces bitterness, enhancing their natural flavor.
- Combine beef with sprouts and sauce
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Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the caramelized Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and lime juice, stirring until all components are evenly coated. This melds the sweet, tangy, and savory elements into a cohesive and spoonable mixture.
- Add finishing touches and serve
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Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top to add a nutty texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred grain to soak up the flavorful sauce and enjoy!
- Use shredded Brussels sprouts instead of whole to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Adjust sriracha to control the heat level to your preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice for a filling meal. For a low-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed noodles.
- Crushing the garlic powder into the beef early allows the spice to meld seamlessly as it cooks.
- Shredding Brussels sprouts finely helps them caramelize faster and mix better with the beef.
- Adding lime juice last brightens the dish without cooking off the acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
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Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can hinder caramelization.
- What can I substitute for avocado oil?
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Neutral oils like canola or sunflower work well due to their high smoke points.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
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Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
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Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
- How spicy is this dish?
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The sriracha is optional and adjusts the heat. Without it, the dish is mildly spicy from the sweet chili sauce.
- Can I prepare this in advance?
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You can cook the beef and sprouts separately ahead and combine with sauce just before serving.
- What are good side dishes with this meal?
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Steamed rice, quinoa, or simple stir-fried noodles pair wonderfully with this dish.
Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 meat chopper
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
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 lime juiced
- sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add ground beef to a large skillet and crumble it while cooking.
- Add green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha, and soy sauce to the beef.
- Cook until the beef is fully browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Heat avocado oil in the same skillet, add shredded Brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft and caramelized.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, add sweet chili sauce and lime juice, and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately over rice or preferred sides.
Notes
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for best texture and flavor.
- Sriracha can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
