Welcome the Flavors of Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate meals that come together quickly but deliver layers of flavor—and that’s exactly what this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe brings to the table. The blend of tender ground beef and the slightly nutty crunch of Brussels sprouts, all brightened with zesty lime and a sweet chili kick, is absolutely irresistible. I love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekends when you want something satisfying yet fuss-free. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those Brussels sprouts without anyone noticing—trust me, I’ve tested that with my family! Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this stir-fry offers a great balance of protein, veggies, and bold flavors. Ready to dig in? Let’s jump into some of my favorite tips before we get cooking.🍲
Daisy’s Top Tips
- Flavor Builder: Try adding a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of brown sugar to deepen the umami profile.
- Texture Magic: For extra crunch, toss in toasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.
- Budget Friendly: Use frozen shredded brussels sprouts if fresh ones aren’t available—they still caramelize nicely.
- Time Saver: Prep your veggies and measure sauces ahead to speed things along on busy nights.
Market Basket & Pantry Picks
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb) – Choose 90% lean for a juicy yet healthy stir-fry.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp) – Use fresh garlic cloves if you have time for more punch.
- Green Onions (⅓ cup, thinly sliced) – Adds a mild, fresh bite that lifts the dish.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce (2 tbsp) – Keeps saltiness balanced without overpowering flavors.
- Sriracha (1 tsp, optional) – Perfect for giving just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Avocado Oil (1 tbsp) – High smoke point and a mild flavor ideal for sautéing.
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts (1 lb) – Buy fresh or pre-shredded for convenience.
- Sweet Chili Sauce (½ cup) – This brings the sweet and tangy signature to the stir-fry.
- Lime Juice (½ lime) – Freshly squeezed for bright, citrusy zing.
- Sesame Seeds (optional garnish) – Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
🛒
Smart Shopping Ideas
Try picking Brussels sprouts that are smaller and more compact; these tend to be sweeter and less bitter. When buying ground beef, grab it fresh from the meat counter and consider asking for it freshly ground if possible. If fresh lime isn’t on hand, a squeeze of bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but always fresh is best. And don’t worry if sweet chili sauce isn’t in your pantry—mix some honey, chili flakes, and rice vinegar to create a quick homemade version!
Cook Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe Step by Step
The magic of this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. You’ll be amazed how a few straightforward steps bring out vibrant colors and bubbly aromas that invite everyone to the table. Here’s how I do it.- Brown the Beef & Green Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Toss in the green onions, sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional sriracha. Add soy sauce to taste. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and has some golden crisp edges—this adds fantastic flavor. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Add the avocado oil to the same skillet. Toss in the shredded Brussels sprouts, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Stir frequently, cooking until they soften and develop caramelized bits on the edges—this brings out their natural sweetness and reduces bitterness.
- Combine & Coat with Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and the freshly squeezed juice of half a lime. Stir thoroughly so every bit gets coated in that gorgeous, glossy sauce.
- Final Touches & Serve: Scatter sesame seeds on top if you like that nutty crunch and bright look. Spoon the stir-fry over steamed rice or your favorite grain to soak up the saucy goodness. Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy the bubbling flavors!
Serving the Dish with Flair
🥗
Serve It Up Right
- Perfect Pairings: A simple jasmine or basmati rice pairs beautifully, or try quinoa for a protein boost.
- Plating Magic: Garnish with fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili for a pop of color.
- Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to keep Brussels sprouts tender, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.
- Occasion Twist: For a party, serve this stir-fry over mini lettuce cups to create fun, handheld bites.
Fun Variations with Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
- Stir in chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch and protein.
- Mix in a handful of shredded carrots or red bell pepper for extra color and sweetness.
- Add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end for a deep, nutty aroma.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Drizzle extra lime juice and sprinkle chili flakes for those who like it zesty and spicy.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Let the stir-fry cool completely before sealing in an airtight container. It’ll keep for 3-4 days and taste just as good warmed up.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the Brussels sprouts’ texture. Avoid microwaving to keep it from turning mushy.
- Meal Prep: Make the stir-fry in advance and pack it alongside steamed grains and fresh greens for easy lunches.
Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this stir-fry? Yes! Just thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture, then cook a bit longer to caramelize.
- Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap ground beef for firm tofu or tempeh crumbles and use vegetarian-friendly soy sauce.
- How spicy is this recipe with sriracha? The sriracha adds a mild heat, but you can omit it or adjust the amount depending on your preference.
- What sides go best with this stir-fry? Try jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. A crisp cucumber salad also pairs wonderfully for contrast.
- Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time? You can slice Brussels sprouts and green onions in advance and keep them chilled until ready to cook, cutting down on prep time.
Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe is a flavorful and healthy one-pan dish combining lean ground beef with caramelized shredded Brussels sprouts, seasoned with garlic, soy sauce, and a tangy sweet chili and lime sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s savory, slightly spicy, and packed with vibrant textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
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)
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce & Garnish
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to a large skillet, crumbling it as it cooks. Mix in the thinly sliced green onions, and season with garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, sriracha (if using), and low sodium soy sauce. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Pour a tablespoon of avocado oil into the same skillet, then add the shredded Brussels sprouts. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are soft and caramelized, taking about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Combine and coat: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and lime juice. Stir well to evenly coat the mixture in the sauce and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- Using shredded Brussels sprouts ensures quicker cooking and better caramelization.
- Avocado oil is used here for its high smoke point and mild flavor, but you can substitute with other neutral oils.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
