This Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is weeknight magic on a plate—savory ground beef, crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a tangy-sweet chili glaze that brings it all together. It’s bold, quick, and bright, proving that wholesome comfort food really can come together in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Perfection: You can create this delicious Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry faster than takeout, perfect for busy nights.
- Sweet & Savory Flavor: The combo of sweet chili sauce, soy, and a hint of sriracha packs every bite with irresistible tang and heat.
- Wholesome & Satisfying: Protein-rich beef pairs with tender-crisp Brussels sprouts for a meal that’s hearty, colorful, and nourishing.
- Customizable for All: It’s easy to adjust for spice lovers, veggie-boosters, or anyone watching carbs—you’ll reach for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This stir-fry stars a short list of kitchen staples that somehow come together for maximum wow-factor. Each ingredient plays a starring role—think juicy ground beef for richness, bright green onions for zip, and Brussels sprouts for that golden-edged crunch.
- Lean ground beef: Delivers juicy flavor and protein without excess grease—choose 90% lean for a lighter feel.
- Garlic powder: Lends warm, savory fragrance that makes the beef sing in the pan.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for drawing out depth in the beef and balancing the sweetness of the sauce.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced, these give every bite a gentle pop of freshness and color.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness while keeping things balanced—opt for low sodium to control the salt level.
- Sriracha (optional): For those who like a kick! Adjust to taste or leave out for milder palates.
- Avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat sautéing and adds a subtle buttery note to the dish.
- Shredded Brussels sprouts: The star vegetable! Shredding helps them caramelize extra-fast for crispy edges.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings the ultimate sweet-heat glaze that ties everything together.
- Lime juice: A squeeze brightens the whole stir-fry, balancing richness with zesty acidity.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a nutty crunch and a touch of classic Asian flair.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to riff on this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry—it’s endlessly adaptable! Whether you’re swapping in proteins or making it extra-veggie, customizing is half the fun and a great way to fit any craving or dietary need.
- Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter or plant-based twist.
- Boost the veggies: Toss in bell pepper strips, thin-sliced carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and color.
- Add some noodles: Serve the stir-fry over rice noodles or toss in cooked soba or udon for a hearty, slurpable dinner.
- Change up the sauce: Use gochujang or hoisin instead of sweet chili for a totally different flavor profile.
How to Make Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high. Add your ground beef and crumble it as it cooks, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, along with a good pinch of kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Add your sliced green onions (reserve a handful for garnish if you like) and sriracha, and drizzle over the soy sauce. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, then remove everything to a plate to rest while you get those Brussels sprouts going.
Step 2: Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts
Add the avocado oil to the now-empty skillet and turn the heat up slightly. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts and season again with salt and pepper. Give them space—they caramelize best when not overcrowded! Let them cook, undisturbed for a minute or two, then stir occasionally until they’re soft with delicious golden edges.
Step 3: Combine and Glaze
Return the cooked beef mixture to the pan with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and squeeze in fresh lime juice. Stir well to coat everything—you want each strand of sprout and every crumbled bit of beef to soak up that sticky-sweet, tangy glaze. Taste and tweak for seasoning or heat.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions if you like. Your Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is now ready—spoon it over fluffy rice, noodles, or just dig in straight from the skillet while it’s piping hot!
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
- Go for the Shred: Shred or thinly slice your Brussels sprouts by hand or with a food processor—they’ll cook faster and caramelize beautifully.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For true golden-edged Brussels sprouts, give them enough surface area—if your pan is small, work in batches.
- Taste as You Go: Every sweet chili sauce is a touch different; add it gradually and adjust the final flavor with a squeeze more lime or a dash more soy.
- Fresh Garnishes Matter: Bright green onions and toasty sesame seeds really make your Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry pop visually and flavor-wise—don’t skip them!
How to Serve Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Garnishes
Finish each serving with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra fresh green onion. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper for color and a little extra heat. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil just before serving adds an amazing nutty aroma that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is sensational over a bowl of fluffy jasmine or brown rice, but you can absolutely serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried noodles. For a lighter meal, try pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame for extra veggies and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry family-style on a big platter, or dish it up in individual bowls for hearty rice bowls. For a fun appetizer, try spooning the stir-fry into crisp lettuce cups—great for parties or just changing things up on weekday nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep lunches or quick heat-up dinners.
Freezing
This stir-fry can be frozen, though the Brussels sprouts may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool completely, package in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce if it looks a little dry. You can also microwave individual portions for a speedy lunch.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but for best flavor and texture, thaw and drain them well, then slice thinly. Fresh Brussels sprouts caramelize more beautifully and hold their bite in the stir-fry.
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Is Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry spicy?
With just a teaspoon of optional sriracha and the sweet chili sauce, it’s more tangy-sweet than fiery. Adjust the sriracha up or down (or leave it out) to control the heat to your liking.
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What’s the best way to shred Brussels sprouts?
You can use a sharp knife, a mandoline, or the shredding disk on your food processor. Just remove any tough stems and outer leaves first for the best texture in your Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with flavor and color, this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry delivers every single time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—your weeknight dinner routine is about to get a whole lot more delicious!
Print
Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef with tender caramelized Brussels sprouts, all coated in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 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
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet and crumble it. Add in the green onions and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, sriracha, and soy sauce. Once cooked, remove from skillet.
- Saute the Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, saute the Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper until caramelized and soft.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet with sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir to coat. Top with sesame seeds and serve over rice.
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha used.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
