If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comes together effortlessly, look no further than the Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet. This dish combines tender ground beef with caramelized Brussels sprouts, all enveloped in a luscious, sticky sweet chili sauce that hits the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss, packing vibrant colors and textures into every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures your Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet will have incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy ground beef and crispy Brussels sprouts to the sweet chili sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Use a lean mix to keep the dish hearty but not greasy, delivering rich flavor with less fat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mild, savory punch that complements the meat perfectly.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the beef and sprouts to enhance their natural flavors.
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions: Provides a fresh, slightly sharp contrast with a hint of crunch.
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and subtle saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional): For those who love a little heat, this kick adds a lively twist.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Ideal for sautéing Brussels sprouts due to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
- 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts: Quick to cook and easy to caramelize, adding a refreshing earthiness.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient that brings a perfect blend of sweetness, tang, and subtle spice.
- 1/2 of a lime, juiced: Adds a zesty brightness that balances the richer flavors.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a delightful nutty flavor and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef with Seasonings
Start by heating your skillet and adding the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Toss in the green onions, then season everything with garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, sriracha if you’re using it, and soy sauce. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
In the same skillet, add the tablespoon of avocado oil to take advantage of that leftover flavor from the beef. Add your shredded Brussels sprouts and season them again with salt and pepper. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop beautiful caramelized edges, roughly 7 to 10 minutes. This step is key for bringing out the natural sweetness in the Brussels sprouts.
Step 3: Combine Beef and Brussels Sprouts with Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts, then pour in the sweet chili sauce and fresh lime juice. Stir everything together thoroughly so every bit of beef and sprout is coated in that sticky, tangy sauce. Heat for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering a few sesame seeds on top if desired. This gives not only extra texture but also a beautiful visual appeal. And just like that, your Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Garnishes
To really elevate the dish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro for brightness. Thinly sliced scallions or a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce can also add a fresh punch right before serving.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all those delicious juices. For a lighter contrast, a crisp cucumber salad or simple miso soup would complement the hearty flavors splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve the Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet atop warm lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. Alternatively, tuck it into crispy wonton cups as a fun appetizer or brunch idea that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers taste just as amazing the next day! Transfer any unused portions into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to keep it longer. Place cooled portions into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will hold its flavor for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts until just heated through without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used in a pinch, but since they release more moisture, they might not caramelize as nicely as fresh shredded ones. If using frozen, drain any excess water first and cook over slightly higher heat to help them brown.
Is this dish spicy?
The Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet has a mild sweetness with just a hint of spice, especially if you add the optional sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat level to your preference by increasing or omitting the sriracha.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
If you don’t have avocado oil, neutral oils like canola, vegetable oil, or even light olive oil will work well for sautéing the Brussels sprouts without altering the taste drastically.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for firm tofu crumbles or cooked lentils, and use a vegetarian-friendly sweet chili sauce and soy sauce to keep it plant-based while still bursting with flavor.
How do I get the Brussels sprouts caramelized perfectly?
Be patient and cook the Brussels sprouts over medium heat without overcrowding the pan so they can brown nicely instead of steaming. Stir occasionally, allowing the edges to get golden and slightly crisp for that delicious caramelized flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet is one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate: comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts fan or a skeptic, the sweet chili sauce brings everything together in a way that’s irresistible. Give this recipe a try — I promise it’ll become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Sweet Chili Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet dish combines lean ground beef and shredded Brussels sprouts sauteed to caramelized perfection, then tossed in a tangy sweet chili sauce with a hint of lime. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 of a lime, juiced
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in the green onions and season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, sriracha (if using), and soy sauce. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
- Saute the Brussels Sprouts: Add the avocado oil to the same skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Saute them until they become soft and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve even cooking.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and lime juice, stirring everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the sweet chili ground beef and Brussels sprouts hot, ideally over rice or your preferred grain for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce and sweet chili sauce are gluten-free.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Add toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
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