Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Sweet chili ground beef and brussels sprouts is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavor of ground beef with the nutritious crunch of brussels sprouts. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, as it comes together in just 30 minutes. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends while keeping dinner hassle-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet chili sauce and soy sauce brings a rich, savory taste that complements the beef and brussels sprouts perfectly.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the brussels sprouts, this recipe supports a balanced diet.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice or alongside your favorite grains or vegetables for added variety.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a larger batch for easy lunches throughout the week; it keeps well in the fridge.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare ground beef and brussels sprouts efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking ground beef and sautéing brussels sprouts evenly.
• Cutting board: Ensures safe chopping and preparation of ingredients without cluttering your workspace.
• Sharp knife: Helps with quick and precise cutting, especially when slicing green onions.
• Spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients together thoroughly without damaging them.

Ingredients

Sweet chili ground beef and brussels sprouts has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and can be ready to eat in 30 minutes!

Protein

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Seasonings

• 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)

Cooking Oil

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Vegetables

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

Sauce

• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1/2 of a lime (juiced)

Garnish (optional)

• Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Break the meat apart with a spatula while cooking.
3. Stir in the green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha (if using), and soy sauce.
4. Once cooked through, remove the mixture from the skillet onto a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

1. In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of avocado oil.
2. Toss in the shredded brussels sprouts.
3. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Sauté until soft and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with brussels sprouts.
2. Pour in sweet chili sauce and lime juice.
3. Stir everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Serve

1. Top with sesame seeds if desired.
2. Serve warm over rice or your preferred side dish!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Ground beef and Brussels sprouts is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are looking for a quick meal idea or a family dinner, this recipe pairs well with many sides and toppings.

Over Rice

• A fluffy bed of rice complements the savory flavors of the ground beef and adds a nice texture to each bite.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves as wraps for a fresh, low-carb alternative. The crunch of the lettuce adds a delightful contrast.

With Quinoa

• Serve the dish over quinoa for added protein and fiber. This option makes it more filling and nutritious.

Topped with Avocado

• Slices of ripe avocado provide creaminess that balances the sweet chili sauce perfectly.

As Tacos

• Spoon the mixture into soft or hard taco shells for a fun twist. Top with your favorite taco toppings like cheese or salsa.

With a Side Salad

• Pairing this dish with a light salad enhances the meal’s freshness and adds extra veggies to your plate.

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

To make sure your ground beef and Brussels sprouts turn out delicious every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose lean beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while keeping the dish hearty.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches if necessary allows for even browning of the beef and caramelization of the Brussels sprouts.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to add more soy sauce or chili sauce based on your flavor preference.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh Brussels sprouts will offer better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps all flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Pairing side dishes with ground beef and Brussels sprouts can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that’s rich in nutrients, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting balance to the savory beef.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the dish while providing fiber and vitamins.

4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well while adding volume to your meal.

5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad offers crunch and acidity, brightening up your plate.

6. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, zucchini noodles provide a satisfying base that soaks up sauce flavors without heavy carbs.

7. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds an enjoyable texture contrast to the savory elements of this dish.

8. Miso Soup: This warm, savory soup can act as a starter, enhancing the Asian flavor profile of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes that can affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Ignoring seasoning – Not seasoning the ground beef properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook.
• Overcooking the sprouts – Brussels sprouts can become mushy if cooked too long. Aim for just enough time to caramelize them while keeping a bit of crunch.
• Using high sodium sauces – Using regular soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
• Skipping lime juice – Lime juice adds brightness to the dish. Don’t skip it; it enhances the overall flavor profile dramatically.
• Not letting the beef rest – Allowing ground beef to rest after cooking helps retain its juices. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving for better texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts.

Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can use frozen brussels sprouts. Just ensure they’re thawed before cooking for even results.

What dishes pair well with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

This dish pairs nicely with rice or quinoa, providing a wholesome base that complements the flavors.

How do I spice up my Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts?

For extra heat, add more sriracha or diced chili peppers during cooking. You can also include additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is quick, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Give it a try for a delightful meal that everyone will love!