In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of us are on a constant quest for meals that are both quick to prepare and brimming with flavor. Look no further than this delectable Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe. Imagine tender, savory beef mingling with the earthy sweetness of caramelized Brussels sprouts, all enveloped in a delightful sweet chili and lime sauce that invigorates the palate. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a culinary gem that can be mastered in just 30 minutes, making it an indispensable addition to your meal plan. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrition, providing you with lean protein and the healthful benefits of Brussels sprouts.
One of the best features of this dish is its adaptability and ease of preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this recipe welcomes all skill levels and guarantees a satisfying outcome every time. The combination of ingredients creates a wonderful harmony of flavors — from the savory depth of ground beef to the zesty brightness of lime juice and the subtle heat of optional sriracha. Additionally, the whole dish comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup time and maximizing convenience — a real win-win!
This recipe proves that with just a handful of ingredients, you can transform everyday staples into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you’re in search of a hearty meal to impress guests or a quick dinner to enjoy solo, this beef and sprout skillet will quickly become a favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the delightful experience of making something truly special that your taste buds will thank you for!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep time.
- Flavorful Combination: The savory beef pairs perfectly with sweet and tangy chili lime sauce.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Lean beef and Brussels sprouts make for a nutrient-rich dish.
- Versatile: Perfect as a standalone meal or served over rice or noodles.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on this culinary journey, it’s important to set the stage for a seamless cooking experience. Begin by gathering all of your ingredients and tools, ensuring everything is within arm’s reach. A large skillet is essential for this dish; it allows you to brown the beef and sauté the Brussels sprouts efficiently in the same pan, enhancing the flavor while cutting down on cleanup. Keep a couple of mixing bowls on hand for easily transferring ingredients.
Additionally, consider using a sturdy knife for shredding the Brussels sprouts if they aren’t pre-shredded. This task can also be accomplished quickly with a food processor if you prefer. A wooden spoon or spatula is useful for stirring ingredients as they cook, helping to meld the flavors together evenly. And lastly, a good-quality juicer is ideal for extracting fresh lime juice, adding a burst of bright flavor to your finished dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
- ⅓ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Include the sliced green onions, garlic powder, low-sodium soy sauce, and sriracha if you are using it. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste, continually stirring until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
In the same skillet, pour in the avocado oil and allow it to heat. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the pan, seasoning lightly with more salt and pepper. Cook the sprouts, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and start to caramelize, picking up a beautiful golden brown color, which imparts a delightful nutty flavor.
Step 3: Combine with Sauce
With the sprouts cooked to your preference, reintroduce the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and the fresh lime juice, and stir everything together until the beef and sprouts are well coated and the sauce evenly distributed. Let it simmer for a few minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Finish by transferring the delicious mixture to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re looking for a bit of extra crunch and flavor. This dish can be enjoyed over a bed of rice, tossed with noodles, or simply on its own, making it incredibly flexible and satisfying for any meal.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as cumin or ginger to introduce new flavor dimensions.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to brown the beef thoroughly; this step enhances the umami flavor that is key to the dish.
- The amount of sriracha can be adjusted based on your heat preference, or you may leave it out entirely for a milder dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfectly pairs with jasmine rice or soba noodles for a complete meal.
- Serve with a simple side salad for a lighter dining option.
Tips
- For best results, use fresh lime juice as it significantly elevates the flavor of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g per serving
- Sodium: 400mg per serving
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What can I use instead of avocado oil?
Olive oil or vegetable oil can serve as good alternatives if you don’t have avocado oil on hand.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are cooked?
The Brussels sprouts are ready when they’re tender to the bite and have a caramelized, golden-brown color.
Is sriracha necessary?
Sriracha is optional and can be adjusted based on your liking. It adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish, but the recipe is still delicious without it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet is more than just a 30-minute meal; it’s a flavorful adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is quick enough for weeknights yet delicious enough for special occasions. Its adaptability ensures it can cater to various tastes and dietary needs. We encourage you to experiment with the variations and make it your own. Enjoy it, share your experience in the comments, and feel free to try out different spices or ingredients based on what you have at home. Happy cooking!
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Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet is a quick and delicious meal that combines savory beef with the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, all in a sweet chili and lime sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
- ⅓ cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Include the sliced green onions, garlic powder, low-sodium soy sauce, and sriracha if you are using it. Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste, continually stirring until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
- In the same skillet, pour in the avocado oil and allow it to heat. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the pan, seasoning lightly with more salt and pepper. Cook the sprouts, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and start to caramelize, picking up a beautiful golden brown color, which imparts a delightful nutty flavor.
- With the sprouts cooked to your preference, reintroduce the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and the fresh lime juice, and stir everything together until the beef and sprouts are well coated and the sauce evenly distributed. Let it simmer for a few minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish by transferring the delicious mixture to a serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re looking for a bit of extra crunch and flavor. This dish can be enjoyed over a bed of rice, tossed with noodles, or simply on its own, making it incredibly flexible and satisfying for any meal.
Notes
For best results, use fresh lime juice as it significantly elevates the flavor of the dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 25 g