If you’re craving a quick, crave-worthy dinner that’s just a little unexpected, let me introduce you to Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts! This saucy skillet meal marries caramelized, tender Brussels sprouts with flavorful ground beef—all tossed in a tangy, sweet-spicy chili sauce. It’s bold, protein-packed, and the easiest way to make Brussels sprouts disappear. Weeknight magic, coming right up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, Spicy, & Satisfying: The sweet chili sauce creates a glossy, mouthwatering glaze that clings to the beef and Brussels sprouts, delivering bold flavor in every bite.
- Weeknight-Friendly: With one skillet and just 30 minutes, Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is perfect for busy evenings when you want something fresh and filling—fast!
- Sneaky Veggie Boost: Shredded and sauteed, Brussels sprouts turn crisp-tender and soak up all the sauce, converting even the hesitant veggie eaters in your crowd.
- Easily Customizable: Change up the protein, make it spicier or milder, or serve it with your favorite grains—this recipe flexes to suit YOUR taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe works double duty—keeping things simple but seriously flavorful. From the aromatic green onions and savory ground beef to the sweet-and-spicy chili sauce and fresh burst of lime, these essentials guarantee Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts will deliver a punch of color, texture, and taste.
- Lean Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein; using lean keeps it light without skimping on taste.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle savoriness that brings out the best in both the beef and sprouts.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—taste as you go!
- Green Onions: Lend a mild, fresh onion bite and vibrant color right from the start.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Deepens the umami factor without overpowering the dish.
- Sriracha (optional): Cranks up the heat for those who relish extra spice (start slow, add more as you like!).
- Avocado Oil: Perfect for high-heat sauteing; helps those Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully.
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts: These cook quickly and soak up all the saucy goodness—no mushy Brussels here!
- Sweet Chili Sauce: The star flavor—sticky, sweet, tangy, and just a bit spicy; it brings everything together.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh citrus makes the dish pop with brightness and balances the sweet chili.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Add a subtle crunch and a pretty, toasty finish for that final flourish.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts? It’s a total chameleon. Whether you’re working around what’s in your fridge, dietary needs, or spice tolerance, it’s so easy to swap, tweak, and make it completely your own!
- Swap the Protein: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in julienned carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for more crunch and color.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap in tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce—easy, peasy!
- Go Extra Spicy: Double up on the sriracha, or stir in some fresh chilies if you like a serious kick.
How to Make Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Brown and Flavor the Beef
Start by crumbling your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha (if using), soy sauce, and scatter the green onions on top. As the beef cooks and browns, it’ll soak up all those savory, punchy flavors—stir frequently so every bite is seasoned to perfection!
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Set the cooked beef aside, then add the avocado oil to the same skillet. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts and let them sauté over medium-high heat. Don’t rush this part—let them get golden, caramelized edges! Season with more salt and pepper and give them a gentle stir as they soften and become gloriously tender.
Step 3: Marry Everything with the Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in that luscious sweet chili sauce and a good squeeze of lime juice, then stir to coat everything. You want every morsel slicked in that glossy, tangy-sweet sauce—let it bubble for a minute to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and shower the top with sesame seeds for crunch and a hint of toastiness. Spoon your Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts over fluffy rice (or anything you love), and get ready to dig in while it’s hot!
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
- Shred Your Brussels Sprouts: Use a food processor or a sharp knife to get thin shreds—this ensures quick cooking and perfect caramelization in the skillet.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your Brussels some breathing room so they sauté (not steam) and get those delicious browned edges.
- Sauce at the End: Add sweet chili sauce and lime juice only at the very end—this keeps the glaze glossy and the flavor punchy, not soggy.
- Taste and Adjust: The sweet chili sauce varies from brand to brand, so taste and tweak the salt, soy, or lime for your ideal sweet-heat balance.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
Finish your Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts with a simple sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a fresh, vibrant touch, you can also add some extra sliced green onions or a scattering of chopped cilantro. If you want a little more zing, a squeeze of extra lime never hurts!
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is delicious piled over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice (white, brown, or jasmine) to soak up the tangy-sweet sauce. For a lighter twist, serve over cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce cups. If you’re in the mood for a full spread, a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of edamame makes the perfect pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts into a showstopper by serving it in a colorful bowl with layered veggies and rice, tucked into lettuce wraps for a hand-held bite, or even spooned over crispy toasted baguette slices as a playful appetizer. It’s a dish that shines however you share it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even richer, making it fantastic for next-day lunches!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish—just let it cool, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for your next speedy, satisfying meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce if needed to keep things glossy and delicious. Garnish fresh for that just-cooked look and flavor!
FAQs
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Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded Brussels sprouts save time and work perfectly in Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts; just check for freshness and use them right away for the best flavor and texture.
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What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix together equal parts honey and sriracha, then add a dash of vinegar for tang and a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat. It won’t be exactly the same but will still give you that sweet-spicy kick!
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How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Skip the sriracha and double-check your sweet chili sauce (some brands are milder than others). Taste as you go and adjust by adding more lime juice or a little extra sugar to mellow the heat.
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Is Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts good for meal prep?
Yes! This dish holds up beautifully—assemble in advance, portion into individual containers with your grains or greens of choice, and you’ve got a week’s worth of tasty, balanced lunches or dinners, ready to reheat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal to win over both veggie fans and picky eaters alike, Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is where it’s at. It’s lively, bold, and comforting all at once—give it a try tonight and see how fast it lands in your family’s regular dinner rotation!
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: Saute, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with tender shredded Brussels sprouts 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 through, transfer to a plate.
- Saute the Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, add oil and saute the Brussels sprouts until soft and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Finish: Return the ground beef to the skillet, add sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice or preferred accompaniment.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
