If you’re looking for a quick and savory dinner that checks all the right boxes, this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is guaranteed to win over your weeknight menu! It’s bursting with robust, saucy flavors, comes together in just 30 minutes, and sneaks in plenty of vibrant green Brussels sprouts for a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Skillet Wonder: The entire Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry comes together in just one pan, which means quick prep and even quicker cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed, Not Heavy: The fusion of zesty sweet chili sauce, umami-rich soy, and a squeeze of lime keeps things lively and light without sacrificing comfort.
- Veggie-Loaded Delight: Shredded Brussels sprouts soak up all the savory juices and bring crisp-tender texture to every bite—perfect for boosting both taste and nutrition.
- Ready in a Flash: From stove to table in about 30 minutes, this stir-fry is a total lifesaver on busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This stir-fry is impressively simple, but every ingredient is purposeful—they each play a role in creating irresistible flavor and that signature saucy-and-savory finish! Here’s a peek at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Lean ground beef: Brings hearty flavor, tons of protein, and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Shredded Brussels sprouts: Tender and caramelized, they add color and a gentle crunch that balances the richness of the beef.
- Green onions: Fresh, bright, and savory—these pack a punch without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Quick and easy way to infuse extra depth.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the beef and the veggies.
- Low sodium soy sauce: It’s the umami backbone that ties everything together without making things too salty.
- Sriracha (optional): A gentle heat that wakes up all your taste buds—add as much or as little as you like!
- Avocado oil: High smoke point and neutral flavor, perfect for getting the sprouts that irresistible golden edge.
- Sweet chili sauce: The glossy, sweet-tangy element that draws you back for a second (and third) helping.
- Lime juice: Just a squeeze brings bright acidity and ties all the flavors together.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a fun little pop of crunch and restaurant-worthy finish.
Variations
One of the joys of stir-fry night is that you can always make it your own! Whether you want to swap out proteins, make it gluten-free, or change up the sauce, Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is super flexible—let your cravings or fridge guide you.
- Chicken or Turkey Swap: Sub in ground chicken or turkey for a lighter twist with all the saucy goodness.
- Go Vegetarian: Swap in crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of the beef—just crisp it up and treat it the same way in the recipe!
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and a gluten-free sweet chili sauce for a celiac-friendly stir-fry.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in sliced red bell peppers, julienned carrots, or even snow peas for a color and nutrient boost.
- Kick Up the Heat: Double the sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love things spicy.
How to Make Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef
Start by placing the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble it with a spatula so it cooks evenly, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce, sriracha (if you want that extra kick!), and those fresh green onions. Stir everything together until the beef is browned and flavorful—this is the foundation of your Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry!
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Remove the cooked beef mixture from your skillet and set it aside. Pour avocado oil into the still-hot pan, then pile in the shredded Brussels sprouts. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden with caramelized edges—this usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Add the sweet chili sauce and squeeze in the lime juice. Stir thoroughly, making sure every crumb and sprout is coated in that glossy, tangy, and absolutely craveable sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is saucy and hot, remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy, and serve over a bowl of steaming rice, cauliflower rice, or enjoy all on its own! You’ve just made Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry magic happen.
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
- Get That Caramelized Sprout Magic: Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Let your Brussels sprouts sit undisturbed for a minute or two between stirs to develop those golden, irresistible caramelized bits.
- Slice and Shred Efficiently: Use a food processor fitted with a slicing attachment or buy pre-shredded Brussels sprouts to save time and get even, consistent texture.
- Sauce Timing Matters: Add the sweet chili sauce and lime juice right at the end, off the heat, to keep the flavors vibrant and prevent the sauce from getting too sticky.
- Customize the Heat Level: Taste as you go! Start with less sriracha or chili sauce, then adjust at the end so your Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is perfectly suited to your crowd.
How to Serve Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, I love to sprinkle the stir-fry with toasted sesame seeds—they add a nutty pop and look gorgeous against the glossy sauce! Try a scatter of extra sliced green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime for irresistible brightness. If you have black sesame seeds on hand, those look especially striking, too.
Side Dishes
Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is a complete meal over fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or even iceberg lettuce wraps are crisp and satisfying. Looking for extra veggies? Try a side of stir-fried snap peas, chilled cucumber salad, or roasted edamame.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stir-fry in big, shallow bowls for dinner-party vibes, or scoop it into lettuce leaves for an interactive meal. I’ve even piled leftovers onto fluffy bao buns or spooned it over crispy fried rice for a fun, unexpected twist—let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry keeps surprisingly well! Store cooled stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will get even richer and deeper overnight.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, just divide the cooled stir-fry into individual containers and freeze for up to two months. The sauce holds up well, though Brussels sprouts will soften a bit when reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sweet chili sauce to loosen things up as needed. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I make Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stir-fry tastes great reheated and is ideal for meal prep. Just store in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to eat—it’s perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknights.
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What’s the best way to shred Brussels sprouts?
A food processor with a slicing blade is super quick, but you can also slice by hand with a sharp knife for more rustic texture. Many stores also carry bags of pre-shredded sprouts for extra convenience.
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Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! If you prefer a milder Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry, simply skip the sriracha or substitute with a dash of mild hot sauce or even a bit of ketchup for sweetness without heat.
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What protein alternatives work in this recipe?
Try it with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. The cooking process is the same, just adjust seasoning to taste as you go along!
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall for this Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry as quickly as I did—it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whether you crave a speedy weeknight dinner or something a little special (but still so easy). Grab your skillet and give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sweet Chili Beef and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make ground beef and Brussels sprouts stir-fry dish that is savory, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 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
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
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Add ground beef to a skillet, crumble and cook with green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, sriracha, and soy sauce. Remove from skillet once cooked.
- Saute Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, saute shredded Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper until soft and caramelized.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked beef to the skillet, add sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir to coat. Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 738mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
