Introduction
Ground beef is a beloved staple in many kitchens, and when paired with Brussels sprouts, it transforms a simple meal into a symphony of flavors and textures. This combination not only offers a hearty dish but also brings a wealth of nutrients to the table, making it a perfect option for a nourishing dinner.
Brussels sprouts, with their slightly nutty taste, complement the rich, savory notes of ground beef, while adding a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a meal that is quick to prepare yet full of complex flavors, ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
In this recipe, you'll find a harmonious blend of ingredients that highlights the best of both worlds—flavor and nutrition. Whether served over rice, quinoa, or simply on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Ground beef serves as the foundation of this dish, providing protein and a robust flavor. Choosing lean beef helps reduce excess fat, making the dish healthier while still flavorful. - 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts
These Brussels sprouts add not only a delightful crunch but also essential vitamins and fiber. Shredding them allows for quicker cooking, which helps to showcase their natural sweetness. - 1 tablespoon avocado oil
This oil is used for sautéing, offering a high smoke point and healthy fats. It contributes to the overall richness of the dish while ensuring the ingredients don't stick to the pan. - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances the umami flavor of the dish, infusing it with depth and aroma. It’s a convenient way to add garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic. - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
This sauce adds a sweet and slightly spicy kick, balancing the savory elements of the beef and the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts. It creates a cohesive and rich sauce that ties all the ingredients together. - 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
Green onions provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the cooked ingredients. Their mild flavor complements the dish without overpowering it. - 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
For those who enjoy a little heat, sriracha adds a spicy dimension to the dish. It can be adjusted to taste, catering to different preferences. - Salt and pepper to taste
These basic seasonings are crucial for elevating the overall flavor of the dish. Adjusting them allows you to balance and enhance the other ingredients effectively.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Using a large skillet ensures that all the ingredients have sufficient space to cook evenly without steaming. The medium heat allows the oil to warm up and facilitates proper browning of the beef in the next step, enhancing its flavor.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Crumbly ground beef ensures that meat is evenly browned and cooked through. Seasoning from the start infuses the meat with flavor, letting the spices meld as it cooks. Look for the beef to turn from pink to brown for doneness.
Step 3: Once the ground beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Resting the beef on a plate prevents it from overcooking in the residual heat of the pan. This step is essential for maintaining the juiciness of the meat while allowing you to focus on cooking the Brussels sprouts.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the shredded Brussels sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté them until they are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
Cooking the Brussels sprouts in the leftover flavor from the beef enhances their taste. Sautéing allows their natural sugars to caramelize, resulting in a rich flavor that beautifully offsets the savory beef.
Step 5: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, adding the sweet chili sauce and green onions. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
Reintegrating the beef with the Brussels sprouts and the sauce creates a harmonious blend. Stirring well ensures every bite is coated with the sweet chili sauce, promoting flavor integration.
Step 6: If using, drizzle the sriracha over the mixture and stir again before serving.
Adding sriracha at this stage allows for customizable heat levels, enabling you to control the dish’s spiciness according to your taste. It makes the dish vibrant and appealing.
Step 7: Serve hot, optionally over a bed of rice or quinoa, and garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Presentation can elevate the meal experience; serving over grains makes it heartier. Fresh green onion on top adds color and a fresh bite, enhancing the overall attractiveness of your dish.
Elevating Flavor with Sweet Chili Sauce
The sweet chili sauce in this recipe plays a pivotal role, combining the sweetness of sugar with the tang of vinegar, making it a perfect glaze for the beef and Brussels sprouts. This sauce not only binds the ingredients together but also adds a depth of flavor with its slight spiciness. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how sweet or spicy you prefer your dish.
Nutritional Boost with Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, often undervalued, are a powerhouse of nutrition. Rich in vitamins C and K, they offer antioxidant properties and promote digestive health. Cooking them until caramelized highlights their natural sweetness, making them an enjoyable component in this dish. Their unique texture also contrasts beautifully with the ground beef, creating a delightful eating experience.
Customization for Every Palate
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition, or even switch out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based protein. The simplicity of the recipe allows for creativity—feel free to experiment with different sauces or seasonings based on your personal taste.
FAQs
What if my mixture is too thick?
If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth to help loosen it up. Stir well to incorporate and heat until the desired consistency is achieved.
How can I prevent the Brussels sprouts from tasting bitter?
To reduce bitterness, ensure the Brussels sprouts are properly sautéed until caramelized. This process brings out their natural sweetness, balancing the flavors.
Can this dish be scaled for larger servings?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you need. Just be mindful to cook it in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.
What if the dish tastes bland?
If you find the dish lacks flavor, try adding more seasonings such as soy sauce or additional sweet chili sauce. A touch of acidity like lime juice can also brighten the flavors.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh is best for texture, frozen Brussels sprouts can be used. They may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are heated through and lose excess moisture.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
This dish works wonderfully over rice or quinoa, which soak up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, serve it on its own for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
This recipe for ground beef and Brussels sprouts offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that you’ll enjoy. Its simplicity and adaptability make it ideal for any weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
By incorporating seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, you not only enhance the dish nutritionally but also celebrate the natural tastes that fresh ingredients offer. Enjoy exploring variations to make it your own!
Recipe Card
Savory Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Medley
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon sriracha optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Once the ground beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the shredded Brussels sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté them until they are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, adding the sweet chili sauce and green onions. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- If using, drizzle the sriracha over the mixture and stir again before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally over a bed of rice or quinoa, and garnish with additional green onions if desired.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
