Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Discover the perfect balance of hearty and healthy with this easy Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish packed with nutrition and bold flavors, this combo delivers every time. Ground beef brings rich, savory depth while Brussels sprouts add a satisfying crunch and a touch of green goodness — all whipped up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
• Healthy ingredients: Combines lean protein with fiber-rich vegetables for a nutritious, balanced meal.
• Flavor-packed: Seasoned perfectly to enhance the natural taste of both beef and Brussels sprouts, never bland or boring.
• Versatile: Can be customized with different spices and sauces to suit your mood or pantry.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each element brings its own role — from the savory richness of the beef to the slight bitterness and crisp texture of the sprouts.

• Ground beef (85% lean): Adds the perfect amount of flavor without too much fat, keeping the dish balanced.
• Brussels sprouts: Fresh or frozen both work; they bring earthy notes and a great crunch.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
• Onion: Diced finely to add sweetness and texture throughout the dish.
• Olive oil: For sautéing, giving a subtle fruitiness while helping ingredients brown evenly.
• Salt and pepper: Essentials for seasoning that bring every ingredient to life.
• Optional soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness that makes your taste buds dance.

Variations for Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

This delicious Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a blank canvas ready for your personal touch. Whether you want it spicy, saucy, or packed with extras, it’s easy to adapt to suit your cravings or dietary needs.

• Add heat: Incorporate crushed red pepper or cayenne for a fiery kick that wakes up the palate.
• Switch protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Introduce nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spice it up: Add curry powder or smoked paprika for an exciting twist on the traditional flavors.
• Make it saucy: Stir in tomato paste or a splash of balsamic vinegar to add depth and moisture.

How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trimming the ends, and slicing them in half for even cooking. Dice the onion and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go once the pan heats up.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Brussels Sprouts

Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Then stir in the Brussels sprouts, stirring frequently until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Add optional soy or Worcestershire sauce now if using, stirring everything together to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Cook another 2 minutes to let all the deliciousness meld perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

• Pick firm sprouts: Choose fresh Brussels sprouts that are bright green and compact for best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give ingredients space to brown rather than steam, enhancing the flavor.
• Use medium-high heat: This helps caramelize the sprouts and beef for deeper flavor development.
• Season gradually: Add salt in stages to avoid over-salting and enhance the natural taste.
• Rest before serving: Letting the dish sit for a couple of minutes allows flavors to settle and blend beautifully.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed jasmine rice, or even a crisp side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing the mixture into warm pita pockets or serve it over baked sweet potatoes to mix things up and delight your dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day meals.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the Brussels sprouts.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen Brussels sprouts work well and are a great time-saver. Just thaw and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid sogginess.

What is the best cut of ground beef for this dish?

Ground beef with around 80-85% lean-to-fat ratio cooks up juicy and flavorful, providing the right balance without too much grease.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to retain texture and keep it hearty.

How spicy is this dish by default?

This recipe is mild as written, but you can easily add spice by including chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

Are Brussels sprouts hard to cook?

Not at all! They cook quickly when halved and sautéed, developing a tender-crisp texture that complements the beef perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a true go-to for anyone craving a quick, nutritious, and incredibly tasty dish. It strikes that wonderful balance of flavor, texture, and ease that we all look for in a weeknight dinner. Give it a try tonight—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start cooking this combo sooner!

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