The rain pattered against my kitchen window as I stared into my refrigerator, wondering what to make for dinner. It had been one of those days—meetings ran long, deadlines loomed, and I’d completely forgotten about meal planning. What I found were the basics: a package of ground beef and a container of Brussels sprouts that needed to be used soon.
What started as a desperate kitchen experiment has since become one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals. This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet combines savory meat with caramelized, nutty Brussels sprouts in a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. The first time I made it, my Brussels sprout-skeptical teenager asked for seconds—a culinary miracle in our household!
This recipe transformed my perception of Brussels sprouts from a holiday-only vegetable to a weeknight staple. The natural sweetness that develops when Brussels sprouts caramelize pairs beautifully with the umami-rich ground beef, creating a dish that feels like comfort food but packs a nutritional punch.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This dish has become a regular in my meal rotation for good reason:
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef stretches further when paired with vegetables.
- Nutritionally balanced: Protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in one dish.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with different seasonings or add-ins.
- Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
When Brussels sprouts caramelize, they develop a nutty sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory ground beef. Even if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this recipe might just change your mind—it certainly changed the minds of many Brussels sprout skeptics at my dinner table!
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Skillet
Serves 4
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Flavor Boosters:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts: Cut off the tough stem ends and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
Preheat your skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Sear the Brussels sprouts: Place the halved sprouts cut-side down in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden brown on the cut side.
Finish cooking the sprouts: Stir the sprouts and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still have some bite. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
Cooking the Ground Beef Mixture
Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavor-packed bits are culinary gold!
Bringing It All Together
Combine the ingredients: Return the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the beef mixture. Add the beef broth and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir gently to combine.
Simmer briefly: Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Finish the dish: Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t rush the Brussels sprouts: The caramelization is key to developing their sweet, nutty flavor.
- Choose the right beef: An 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio gives the best flavor, but you can use leaner beef if preferred.
- Keep ingredients prepped: Have everything ready before you start cooking, as this recipe moves quickly once you begin.
Tasty Variations
- Add bacon: Start by cooking 4 strips of chopped bacon, then use the bacon fat to sear your Brussels sprouts.
- Make it spicy: Double the red pepper flakes and add a diced jalapeño with the onions.
- Mediterranean twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and finish with crumbled feta cheese.
- Asian-inspired: Replace the balsamic and Worcestershire with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of honey.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Top with a fried egg for a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option.
- Add a side of roasted sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (¼ of recipe):
- Calories: 375
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg (varies based on seasoning)
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish is high in protein, provides a good source of fiber, and delivers essential nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron.
A Weeknight Wonder Worth Sharing
What began as a desperate dinner solution has become a recipe I proudly share at potlucks and family gatherings. The marriage of ground beef and Brussels sprouts might seem unlikely, but it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special when prepared with a little care.
This recipe has converted Brussels sprout skeptics in my household and among my friends. There’s something magical about the way the caramelized edges of the sprouts complement the savory ground beef—a combination that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Next time you’re staring into your refrigerator wondering what to make for dinner, remember this humble yet delicious skillet meal. It might just become your new weeknight favorite, too.
Give this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did it convert any Brussels sprout skeptics at your table? Share your experience and any creative variations you discover!
