Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to wow your taste buds? Enter the Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry. This dish is the perfect blend of juicy ground beef, crisp caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a savory, slightly spicy soy glaze. And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Whether you’re a busy professional juggling tight schedules, a parent trying to prep wholesome dinners, or simply someone who loves bold, nutrient-packed meals, this stir-fry has got you covered. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about half an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
  • Nutrient-Packed: Brussels sprouts are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the ground beef adds essential proteins.
  • Flavor Explosion: Savory soy sauce pairs with a kick of chili and the sweetness of hoisin and oyster sauces, giving every bite a satisfying depth of umami.
  • Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option.
  • Customizable: Not a fan of spice? Prefer a different protein? No problem! The recipe is easy to tweak to match your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for this tasty stir-fry:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, placing them cut side down. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the cut side is golden and caramelized. Flip the sprouts and cook for another 2–3 minutes until tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Using the same skillet, add the 1 lb ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon.

3. Add Aromatics

To the cooked beef, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red chili. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Mix the Sauce

Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Combine well to evenly coat the beef in the sauce.

5. Bring It All Together

Return the caramelized Brussels sprouts to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and glazed beautifully.

6. Serve

Serve it hot either as-is or over steamed rice to complete the meal.

Tips & Tricks for Success

  1. Caramelize the Sprouts: Don’t rush the cooking process for the Brussels sprouts. A good caramelization gives the dish its deep, nutty flavor.
  2. Control the Spice: Adjust the red chili and red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance. Want it spicier? Add more!
  3. Fresh is Best: Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor. Frozen ones can work in a pinch, but they may not caramelize as well.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If the skillet is too crowded, the sprouts will steam instead of caramelizing.

Recipe Variations

  • Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a different twist.
  • Vegetable Options: Not a fan of Brussels sprouts? Try broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini instead.
  • Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for extra texture.

Nutrition & Serving Info

  • Calories: 430 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 4
  • Protein: Packed with 25+ grams of protein per serving, making it a hearty, wholesome meal.
  • Carb-Friendly: Serve it over rice for a balanced meal or enjoy it on its own as a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair it with steamed white rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
  • Swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
  • Add a side of crispy spring rolls or a light Asian-inspired salad to round out the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Skipping the Caramelization: This step is key for bringing out the sweetness in the sprouts.
  2. Overloading the Skillet: Ensure there’s enough room for the sprouts to sear evenly.
  3. Overcooking the Beef: Cook the ground beef just until browned to ensure it stays juicy.
  4. Neglecting to Taste: Before serving, taste-test the dish to adjust for spice, salt, or sweetness.
Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry

Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry

Crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts meet juicy ground beef in a savory, slightly spicy soy glaze. Fast, hearty, and full of umami goodness—this stir-fry is the perfect weeknight fix!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts - halved
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion - thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic - minced
  • 1 red chili - finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes - optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add halved Brussels sprouts, cut-side down, and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until golden and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Flip sprouts and cook for another 2–3 minutes until tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red chili. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant and onion is softened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat beef in sauce.
  6. Step 6: Return Brussels sprouts to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until glazed.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot as-is or over steamed rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal

Notes

Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version. Try adding chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish!

Tried this recipe?

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FAQ Section

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What cooking equipment will I need?

All you need is a sharp knife, cutting board, and a large skillet. Simple and fuss-free!

Get Cooking with This Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry

This Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is proof that easy dinners don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. From its bold umami glaze to the tender-crisp Brussels sprouts, it’s a meal you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

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