Oh, honey, let me tell you about this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry! It’s one of those weeknight wonders that’s become a true family favorite. I remember the first time I made it – my youngest was going through that “I hate everything green” phase, and I was desperate to sneak some veggies into his diet. I figured stir-fry was the way to go, and after a little experimenting (and a couple of near-disasters involving too much soy sauce!), this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry was born.
I’ll never forget the look on his face when he took that first bite. He actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew I was onto something special with this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those Brussels sprouts that are always lurking in the back of the fridge. You know how it is, we’ve all been there with Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry.
This recipe has been a lifesaver on so many busy weeknights. Between school activities, sports practices, and everything else that comes with raising a family, it’s hard to find time to cook a healthy meal. But this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry comes together in under 30 minutes, and it’s always a hit with everyone. I’ve tweaked it over the years, adding different sauces and vegetables to suit our tastes, but the basic recipe remains the same. It’s a truly versatile and easy ground beef stir fry.
I first perfected this ground beef and brussel sprout recipe back when the kids were much smaller, and now it’s a constant in our dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy, and it’s a fantastic way to get those veggies in without a fight. It’s truly a healthy ground beef stir fry.
I know you’re busy, just like me, so I wanted to share this gem with you. I’m confident that this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry will become a new staple in your household, too. So, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking! I promise, it’s easier than you think.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 1 pound ground beef (I always use 85/15 for my Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry, it has enough fat for flavor but isn’t too greasy.)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered (When making Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry, you can often find pre-trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts in the produce section to save time!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (Here’s a Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry trick I learned from my mom: use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (I always use toasted sesame oil for my Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry, it adds a richer flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (Adjust to your taste for sweetness in this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry.)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Shopping tip: When grabbing your Brussels sprouts, look for firm, tightly packed heads. Avoid any that are yellowing or have loose leaves. For cost-saving tips for Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry ingredients, I often buy ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it in smaller portions.
And for those leftover Brussels sprouts? Store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to a week. They’re also great roasted with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar!
How to Make Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get down to business and make this delicious Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. I learned the hard way with Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry that prepping your ingredients beforehand makes the whole process so much smoother!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I learned the hard way with Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry that draining off any excess grease after browning the beef will keep your stir-fry from being too oily. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. While the Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is cooking, I usually start the rice or quinoa to save time.
Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts
Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t worry if your Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry gets a little color on them – that’s where the flavor is! In my kitchen, Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry usually takes a bit longer to cook the brussel sprouts if they are larger, so keep an eye on them.
Step 4: Add the Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat all the ingredients. Your Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry should smell like a savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Remember, cooking times can vary depending on your stove and the size of your vegetables. The most important thing is to make sure the Brussels sprouts are cooked to your liking. Some people prefer them softer, while others like them with a bit of a bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is where the real fun begins! My family loves this dish because it’s so versatile. The kids love our Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry when I serve it over white rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Sometimes I’ll even add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry are usually simple and fresh. A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and a little sugar is always a winner. It provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stir-fry. I also like to serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or edamame for an extra boost of veggies.
This Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also great for meal prepping. I often make a big batch on Sunday and pack it for lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you have extra Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry, you can even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps or spring rolls.
As for presentation tips, I like to serve this dish in a large bowl and garnish it generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce adds a nice kick if you like a little heat.
During the fall, I sometimes add diced apples or pears to the Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry for a seasonal twist. The sweetness of the fruit complements the savory flavors of the dish perfectly.
My friends always ask for this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry recipe whenever I make it for potlucks or get-togethers. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! It is very similar to Tangy Tex Mex Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry.
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: You know what I do when my Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry requires frozen brussel sprouts? I always roast them first. This removes some of the moisture and gives them a better texture in the stir-fry. Just toss them with a little olive oil and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
Q: What kind of ground beef is best?
A: I prefer to use 85/15 ground beef for this recipe because it has a good balance of flavor and leanness. But you can use whatever you have on hand. Just remember to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before adding it to the skillet. For more tips on technique, check out Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts – Recipe Runner
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: If you like a little heat, you can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce at the end.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is great for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. You know what I do when my Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry needs to be made ahead of time, I sometimes wait to add the sauce until just before serving to keep the vegetables from getting too soggy.
Q: What if my Brussels sprouts are still hard after cooking them for 10 minutes?
A: Don’t worry! Just add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet, cover it with a lid, and let the Brussels sprouts steam for a few more minutes until they are tender. This is a trick I learned from a blog reader who had the same problem!
My Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry isn’t just a recipe for me; it’s a symbol of those quick, delicious meals that bring my family together even on the busiest nights. It holds a special place because it’s proof that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy their veggies when prepared in a flavorful and fun way. It’s become a staple, standing alongside other family favorites like Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet and Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe.
Here are my Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the ground beef and vegetables in batches to ensure they brown properly.
- Taste and adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your liking. Add more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or more red pepper flakes for heat.
- Don’t overcook the Brussels sprouts: They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
Over the years, we’ve tried several Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry variations. One time, I added pineapple chunks for a sweet and sour twist, and my kids loved it! Another time, I used hoisin sauce instead of soy sauce for a richer, more complex flavor. It is also very similar to 20-Minute Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
My youngest loves the version with extra red pepper flakes, while my oldest prefers it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil. If you love this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry, you’ll also enjoy Sweet Potato Zucchini Ground Beef Skillet.
I encourage you to make this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry your own. Experiment with different vegetables, sauces, and spices to create a dish that your family will love. I hope your Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry cooking experience is filled with happy moments and delicious results.
So, go ahead, give this Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry a try. I know you’ll love it! I’m sure that it will become one of your go-to meals, just like it has for me. Happy cooking!
Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry
This Ground Beef Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is a quick and easy weeknight meal packed with flavor and nutrients. Tender Brussels sprouts and savory ground beef are tossed in a delicious sauce for a satisfying and healthy dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the ground beef and Brussels sprouts. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot, over cooked rice if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of oyster sauce to the stir-fry sauce. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.