Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together fast, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe is one of my absolute favorites — it’s hearty, packed with vibrant flavors, and the perfect way to get some greens on your plate without any fuss. When I first tried this dish, I was surprised by how well the ground beef pairs with the caramelized Brussels sprouts and that punch of sweet chili sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts for the best caramelization, and lean ground beef to keep things light yet satisfying.

• Lean Ground Beef: Choose 90% lean or higher so the stir-fry isn’t too greasy but still juicy.
• Garlic Powder: Easy way to add that classic savory depth without chopping fresh garlic.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild oniony crunch and brightness straight from the skillet.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Keeps saltiness in check while adding umami richness.
• Sriracha (optional): Brings a subtle heat that you can dial up or down.
• Avocado Oil: High smoke point helps you get those Brussels sprouts perfectly caramelized.
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts: Shredded cooks faster and picks up flavor better than whole leaves.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Balances savory with sweetness and a touch of spice – my secret flavor booster.
• Lime Juice: Adds fresh citrus zing to brighten the whole dish.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): A nutty finish that also looks pretty when sprinkled on top.

Variations

Everyone loves to make a recipe their own, and this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe is no exception. I often switch things up depending on what’s in season or what my family’s craving.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: I’ve swapped in lean ground turkey when I wanted a lighter protein—works just as well and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Add Mushrooms or Bell Peppers: Toss in some sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra veggies and texture contrast.
• Make it Vegetarian: Replace beef with firm tofu or tempeh and double the soy sauce for that rich umami flavor.
• Extra Heat: If you love spice, I like adding more sriracha or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at the end.

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef Just Right

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef. I like to crumble it up with my spatula as soon as it hits the pan, so it cooks evenly. Add your green onions now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha if using, and soy sauce. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned but juicy—about 6-7 minutes. When it’s just done, scoop the beef out onto a plate so you don’t overcook it while preparing the sprouts.

Step 2: Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts

In the same skillet, add the avocado oil and toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper, then sauté them on medium-high heat. This is where the magic happens — cooking until they’re tender and caramelized, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring every couple of minutes to prevent burning but let them get that nice golden-brown color. The caramelization pulls out their natural sweetness, which balances the savory beef so well.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Sauce

Once your sprouts are perfectly cooked, add the beef back into the skillet. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and squeeze the juice of half a lime over everything. Stir well to coat every little bite in that tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so flavors mingle. At this point, give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes I add a bit more soy sauce or lime depending on my mood.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

To finish off this cozy stir-fry, sprinkle on some sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and nutty flavor. Serve it hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles — whatever feels right at the moment. I promise your family or guests will go crazy for this combo of textures and flavors!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for toasted sesame seeds to sprinkle on top for that nutty crunch and subtle aroma. Sometimes, I add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh red chili when I want a pop of color and extra zing. Green onions on top add a fresh finish as well.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or even some cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds for a crisp contrast that balances the rich stir-fry.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this stir-fry in colorful, hollowed-out bell peppers or even crispy wonton cups — they make the dish feel a bit more festive and are perfect for sharing. Wrapping the stir-fry in lettuce leaves and letting everyone make their own wraps is another hit in my house!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the stir-fry cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners when I’m short on time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully, though the texture of Brussels sprouts softens a bit after freezing. To freeze, pack cooled stir-fry tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I recommend reheating gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it starts to dry out. This helps maintain juiciness without overcooking the beef or turning the Brussels sprouts mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe comes together with minimal effort but maximum flavor—and I think you will too. It’s a perfect example of a simple weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests or a cozy family dinner. Once you try it, you’ll see how easily the flavors meld, how satisfying the dish is, and how versatile it can be. So grab that skillet and give it a whirl — I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen just like it did in mine.

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