Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is a quick, high-protein skillet meal that’s savory, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with seasoned ground beef, crispy Brussels sprouts, garlic, and simple seasonings—cooked together in one pan for a fast, flavorful dish I can serve on its own or over rice, noodles, or cauliflower mash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this meal is to make with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. The ground beef adds hearty flavor and protein, while the Brussels sprouts bring texture and a slightly nutty bite when browned in the skillet. It’s healthy, filling, and totally customizable depending on what I’m craving. Plus, it works great for meal prep and reheats like a dream.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (lean or regular)

• Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or shredded

• Onion, diced (optional)

• Garlic, minced

• Olive oil

• Soy sauce or coconut aminos

• Balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• Salt and black pepper

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crisp-tender. I remove them from the pan and set them aside.

2. In the same skillet, I cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I drain excess fat if needed.

3. I add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

4. I return the Brussels sprouts to the pan and stir in soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want some heat.

5. I sauté everything together for another 2–3 minutes until well combined and heated through.

6. I serve it hot as-is or over rice, noodles, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in 30 minutes or less.

Variations

• I use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Sometimes I add shredded carrots or chopped mushrooms for extra veggies.

• For an Asian twist, I use sesame oil and top it with green onions and sesame seeds.

• I’ve also added cooked rice or quinoa directly to the skillet for a one-pan meal.

• A fried or soft-boiled egg on top makes it even more filling.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet or microwave until hot. It reheats well and makes a great lunch or quick dinner.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but I recommend thawing and drying them first. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they still work well.

What’s the best way to shred Brussels sprouts?

I slice them thinly with a sharp knife or use a food processor with the slicing attachment for a faster option.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! I add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for heat.

Is this recipe low-carb?

It is! As long as I skip the rice or use cauliflower rice, this meal is naturally low in carbs and high in protein.

Can I make this in advance?

Definitely. I cook it ahead and portion it out for meal prep. It tastes just as good reheated the next day.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is one of my favorite quick skillet meals—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s a healthy dinner I can throw together any night of the week with just a handful of ingredients and one pan. Whether I’m meal prepping or just need something fast and satisfying, this recipe always comes through.

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

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Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is a quick, high-protein one-pan skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef and crispy Brussels sprouts, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or shredded
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant.
5. Return Brussels sprouts to the skillet and stir in soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Serve hot on its own or over rice, noodles, or cauliflower mash.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add shredded carrots or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg for extra protein.
• For an Asian twist, use sesame oil and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg