If you’re searching for a quick weeknight meal that brings bold flavor, gorgeous color, and a healthy twist to your dinner table, this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is about to become your new obsession. With savory ground beef, crisp-tender Brussels sprouts, and a punchy, sweet chili lime sauce, this stir-fry checks every box—and it comes together in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Fast: Start to finish, Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
- Healthy and Filling: With lean protein and fiber-rich Brussels sprouts, you get a nourishing meal that actually keeps you satisfied.
- Colorful and Flavor-Packed: Every bite is a symphony of savory, sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes, plus it looks like a showstopper on the plate.
- So Adaptable: This recipe transforms easily to fit different diets, spice levels, and whatever veggies you’ve got on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry comes from its simple list of ingredients—each one works together to deliver bold flavor, tender texture, and eye-catching color. Even if your pantry is feeling sparse, these basics can transform into something truly crave-worthy!
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the dish—juicy and flavorful, it brings richness and satisfying protein.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A subtle kick of savory depth without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the beef and Brussels sprouts to perfection.
- Green onions (⅓ cup, thinly sliced): Their gentle onioniness and fresh crunch brighten every bite.
- Low sodium soy sauce (2 tablespoons): This gives that unmistakable umami hit while keeping things light on sodium.
- Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle heat—totally adjustable to your spice preference.
- Avocado oil (1 tablespoon): Its high smoke point means perfect sautéing without any burning or bitterness.
- Shredded Brussels sprouts (1 pound): They caramelize beautifully, bringing both sweetness and earthiness to the stir-fry.
- Sweet chili sauce (½ cup): This brings glossy sweetness and a mild tang, making the whole dish pop.
- Lime juice (from ½ a lime): Just a splash brightens the whole skillet with fresh, fragrant citrus.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): A final flourish for gentle crunch and a little nutty depth.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry your own! With a few simple swaps or add-ins, you can customize it to fit your tastes, what you have in the fridge, or any dietary needs—so no two dinners ever have to be exactly alike.
- Try Another Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu can step in for the beef if you’re craving variety or a lighter option.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep things safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Adjust the Spice: Double the sriracha for a fiery kick, or leave it out for a mild, family-friendly stir-fry.
How to Make Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by crumbling your ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it begins to brown, toss in the sliced green onions and sprinkle over garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir occasionally, breaking up any large clumps, and let the beef cook through so it soaks up all the seasoning magic. Once it’s sizzling hot and no pink remains, transfer the beef mixture onto a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts
Add the avocado oil to your now-empty skillet, letting it come up to temperature. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts and season with a little extra salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring often, until the sprouts turn golden, tender, and irresistibly caramelized—about 5–7 minutes. This is where the sweet, roasted flavor really sings!
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked beef and green onion mixture back into the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Drizzle over the sweet chili sauce and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Give everything a good toss, making sure the beef and veggies are glossy and well coated in that flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a lovely crunch and a classic stir-fry finish. Dive right in or serve over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite grain—no matter how you plate it, this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry sparkles with every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
- Get Those Brussels Crispy: For beautifully caramelized Brussels sprouts, don’t overcrowd the pan and let them sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time as they sauté.
- Maximize Flavor Layers: Season both the beef and the veggies separately to ensure every element in the stir-fry sings with its own flavor.
- Choose the Right Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease and a lighter dish, but don’t go ultra-lean—some fat brings richness and keeps everything juicy.
- Finish With Lime: Always add the lime juice just at the end, right off the heat, for the freshest and brightest pop.
How to Serve Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous pinch of sesame seeds over your stir-fry for a polished, restaurant-style look and delightful crunch. If you love a pop of freshness, scatter a few more sliced green onions or even a thinly sliced red chili for vibrant color and subtle heat.
Side Dishes
Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is delicious served over fluffy steamed rice, nutty brown rice, or even a bed of quinoa. For a lighter touch, spoon it over cauliflower rice or wrap it up in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb, handheld version that’s irresistibly fun.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful spin, serve your stir-fry family-style in a large platter, letting everyone build their own bowls with rice and fresh toppings. Or, portion out the stir-fry into bento boxes for meal prep, adding fresh cucumber slices and edamame for color and crunch. Don’t forget to drizzle with a little extra sweet chili sauce right before serving for that glossy, “wow” restaurant finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir-fry for up to one month. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—the Brussels will be softer, but the flavors remain vibrant.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers into a skillet over medium heat and stir until everything is warmed through, or use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring to keep things evenly heated. Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds to bring back that just-cooked sparkle!
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry?
While fresh shredded Brussels sprouts caramelize best, you can use frozen—just thaw and drain them thoroughly, then pat dry before sautéing to ensure they get that golden color without steaming.
-
How can I make this stir-fry less spicy for kids?
Simply skip the sriracha or use just a tiny drop for warmth instead of heat—the sweet chili sauce provides plenty of mellow flavor, so the dish still tastes amazing for all ages.
-
Do I need a wok to make Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry?
Not at all! A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works perfectly—just make sure it’s big enough to fit everything comfortably so the veggies sauté instead of steam.
-
What’s the best way to shred Brussels sprouts quickly?
The fastest way is to use a food processor with the slicing blade attached, but you can also thinly slice them by hand with a sharp knife or pick up a bag of pre-shredded sprouts at the store to save time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a wholesome meal that’s fast, fresh, and bursting with flavor, give this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry a try tonight. I have a feeling it’ll become your new weeknight hero—enjoy every delicious, nourishing bite!
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: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A delicious and quick recipe for Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts, combining savory ground beef with tender caramelized Brussels sprouts in a sweet and tangy chili sauce. Perfect for a flavorful 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. Mix in green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha, and soy sauce. Cook until browned, then set aside.
- Saute the Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, saute shredded Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper until caramelized and tender.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the ground beef to the skillet, add sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice or as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
