Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that hits every craving—sweet, savory, spicy, and satisfying—this sweet chili ground beef and Brussels sprouts dish is calling your name. It’s bold, balanced, and bursting with umami, all while being shockingly easy to throw together in just one skillet.

Behind the Recipe

This dish came together on one of those “what do I even make tonight?” evenings. I had a pound of ground beef in the fridge, a bag of shredded Brussels sprouts, and some sweet chili sauce I’d forgotten about. A little sizzle here, a quick toss there, and I had a dinner so flavorful I made it again the next night. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still packs in veggies and flavor in every bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Sweet chili sauce is a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Thai cooking, where it’s used as a dipping sauce or glaze. Pairing it with savory, browned ground beef and earthy Brussels sprouts brings together Eastern flavors and Western comfort food in a delicious fusion. Brussels sprouts, once overlooked, have surged in popularity—and when shredded and sautéed, they cook fast and taste incredible.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

This dish is quick, flavorful, and full of contrast. Here’s why you’ll keep it in rotation:

Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps—it works any way you want.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that deliver bold flavor.

Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Add more spice, switch the protein, or load it with extra veggies.

Crowd-Pleasing: Even Brussels sprouts skeptics are won over by this dish.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes just as good reheated for lunch or dinner.

Great for Leftovers: Store and repurpose for bowls, tacos, or wraps.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want your dish to taste restaurant-worthy? Keep these pro tips in mind:

• Use high heat for browning: Sear the beef well to develop rich, deep flavor.
• Don’t crowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to keep everything caramelized.
• Add sauce at the end: This keeps the texture crisp and prevents sogginess.
• Fresh lime juice matters: It brightens the entire dish and balances the sweetness.
• Use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts: A major time-saver that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You likely already have everything you need to whip this up:

Large skillet or wok: Essential for high-heat sautéing.

Wooden spoon or spatula: For breaking up beef and stirring.

Measuring spoons: For balancing flavor.

Cutting board and knife: Only if you’re shredding Brussels sprouts yourself.

Mixing bowl: Optional, for combining sauce ingredients ahead of time.

Ingredients in Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Every ingredient works hard in this dish, bringing heat, richness, and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Lean Ground Beef: 1 lb. The protein base, browned to create umami and depth.
2. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds savory warmth; or sub with fresh garlic.
3. Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon. Enhances all the bold flavors.
4. Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon. A subtle kick that rounds everything out.
5. Low Sodium Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds saltiness and depth.
6. Sriracha (optional): 1 tablespoon. For heat—adjust to your preference.
7. Avocado Oil: 1 tablespoon. Neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking.
8. Shredded Brussels Sprouts: 4 cups. Cook quickly and caramelize beautifully.
9. Sweet Chili Sauce: ½ cup. Sweet, sticky, and just tangy enough to glaze everything.
10. Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons. Balances the sweet with fresh acidity.
11. Sesame Seeds (optional): 1 tablespoon. Adds crunch and nutty flair.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make it work with what you’ve got:

Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Avocado Oil: Use canola or vegetable oil.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Mix honey with a splash of sriracha and vinegar for a quick DIY.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Sriracha: Swap with chili garlic sauce or omit for mild flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Brussels Sprouts: These underrated veggies shine when shredded and sautéed. They caramelize quickly, taking on a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet-spicy sauce.

Sweet Chili Sauce: It’s the star glaze, sticky and bright, tying everything together with sweetness and heat.

Instructions for Making Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

This dish comes together fast and delivers huge flavor. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and sriracha (if using). Set aside.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Add avocado oil to the hot pan. Swirl to coat.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Once the beef is browned and the seasoning is incorporated, add shredded Brussels sprouts. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are tender and caramelized.

6. Finishing Touches:
Pour in the sauce mixture. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is glossy and warmed through.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate it up and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve over rice, in wraps, or on its own.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish hits every texture note: the ground beef is savory and tender, the Brussels sprouts add a hearty chew and slight crispness, and the sauce makes everything stick together in a glossy, sticky glaze. The lime cuts through with freshness, while the optional sesame seeds give a little crunch on top.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a wide skillet to ensure proper browning.
• Pre-shredded Brussels save loads of prep time.
• Add sauce right at the end to keep things from getting soggy.
• Let the beef sit undisturbed in the pan for a minute to develop a nice sear.

What to Avoid

A few mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcooking Brussels sprouts—they can become mushy.
• Adding sauce too early—it’ll steam the veggies instead of glazing.
• Skipping lime juice—the acidity is essential to balance the dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the sauce and shred the Brussels sprouts in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet for best texture, or microwave if you’re short on time.

How to Serve Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Serve over jasmine or brown rice, inside lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or over noodles for a heartier meal. Add extra lime wedges on the side for a bright finish.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Reimagine leftovers with these easy ideas:

• Stuff into rice paper rolls or wraps.
• Add to a stir-fry with extra veggies.
• Use as a filling for tacos or lettuce cups.
• Toss with soba noodles for a new twist.

Additional Tips

• For extra texture, toss in chopped water chestnuts or shredded carrots.
• Add chopped green onions for a fresh bite at the end.
• Toast sesame seeds before adding for enhanced nuttiness.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in a shallow white bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a lime wedge, and a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce. Pair with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables for a beautifully balanced plate.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Garlic: Add fresh minced garlic with the sprouts and extra sriracha.
• Low-Carb: Skip the rice and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Peanut Style: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter with the sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Bowl: Add a soft-boiled egg and pickled onions on top.
• Teriyaki Twist: Swap sweet chili sauce for teriyaki glaze.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

They work, but fresh is best for texture. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first.

Q2: Is this dish spicy?

Only mildly. Adjust the sriracha to your taste.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Q4: How long does it store in the fridge?

Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Q5: Can I add rice to the skillet?

Definitely! Toss in cooked rice at the end for a fried rice-style version.

Q6: What’s a good substitute for Brussels sprouts?

Cabbage or kale will also work well.

Q7: Do I need to drain the beef fat?

If using lean beef, it’s usually not necessary. Otherwise, drain off excess grease before adding the sauce.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to keep the texture right.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers.

Q10: Can I add tofu or a vegetarian protein?

Sure! Crumbled tofu or tempeh works great in place of beef.

Conclusion

This sweet chili ground beef and Brussels sprouts skillet is the definition of fast, flavorful, and feel-good cooking. It’s one of those recipes that surprises you with just how much flavor it packs into every bite—and trust me, it’s going to be one of your go-to weeknight heroes.

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