Name: Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional); 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1/2 of a lime, juiced; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

I absolutely love sharing this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe because it combines bold, vibrant flavors with a streamlined cooking process that makes weeknight dinners feel exciting and fresh. This dish hits that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet, and I’m always impressed by how the tender ground beef complements the caramelized Brussels sprouts so beautifully. It’s a recipe that’s become a go-to for me whenever I want something satisfying yet wholesome, and it’s sure to become one of your favorites too.

Why You'll Love This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe

What really draws me to this recipe is how the flavor profile bursts with variety but stays harmoniously balanced. The savory richness of the ground beef pairs wonderfully with the subtle earthiness of the Brussels sprouts, while the sweet chili sauce and fresh lime juice add that perfect kick of sweetness and acidity that makes every bite exciting. The touch of sriracha I like to add amps up the spice just enough to keep things lively without overwhelming the dish.

From my experience, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings when I want to whip up something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. It cooks quickly, especially since the Brussels sprouts are shredded, which speeds up their caramelization and softening process. The simple ingredients come together seamlessly, so I never find myself stressing over complicated steps or hard-to-find components.

I especially love serving this stir-fry for casual dinners with friends or family on a weeknight, but it also impresses when I bring it to potlucks or informal gatherings. It's unique enough to stand out from typical takeout, yet comforting enough that everyone seems to enjoy it. What makes this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe truly shine, in my opinion, is the delightful interplay of textures and flavors paired with effortless cooking.

Ingredients You'll Need

This image shows a close-up of cooked ground meat mixed with halved Brussels sprouts. The dish is rich brown from the seasoned meat with some crisp, golden-yellow edges on the sprouts. Small white sesame seeds are sprinkled across the mixture, adding texture contrast. A wooden spoon scoops up a portion, showing a mix of browned meat and slightly charred green and yellow Brussels sprout leaves. The background is a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so satisfying. You don’t need to raid specialty stores; just gather these pantry staples and fresh produce to enjoy a truly delicious meal.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Lean Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty base packed with protein and flavor.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Green Onions: Bring fresh, mild pungency and a lovely green color.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness while keeping things balanced.
Sriracha (optional): Gives a subtle heat that livens up the dish.
Avocado Oil: Perfect for sautéing due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts: The star veggie here—offering caramelized sweetness and a unique texture.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Infuses a sweet, tangy glaze that brightens everything up.
Lime Juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing citrus zing to finish.
Sesame Seeds (optional): For a toasty, nutty garnish that adds subtle crunch.

Directions

Step 1: I start by adding the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Then I toss in the sliced green onions and season the mixture generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, soy sauce, and a touch of sriracha if I'm feeling spicy. I make sure the beef is fully cooked and nicely browned before transferring it to a plate to rest briefly.

Step 2: Next, I heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in that same skillet and add the shredded Brussels sprouts. Seasoning with salt and pepper, I sauté them, stirring occasionally until they become soft and develop beautiful caramelized edges—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is so rewarding because the sprouts transform from raw bitterness to sweet nuttiness.

Step 3: I then return the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, adding the sweet chili sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. I stir everything well to ensure the beef and Brussels sprouts are thoroughly coated with the tangy, sweet sauce. This step brings all the flavors together in one vibrant, saucy mixture.

Step 4: Finally, I sprinkle over some sesame seeds for a little extra texture and visual appeal. The dish is ready to serve immediately, and I often pile it over a steaming bowl of rice or enjoy it as a fulfilling stand-alone meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or to have some delicious leftovers. The prep time is about 10 minutes, mostly chopping and measuring ingredients, while the cooking time takes roughly 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes. There’s no need for any resting or cooling time—you want to serve this dish fresh and hot for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe

This close-up image shows a white plate filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice. On top of the rice, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat that looks brown and slightly sticky with some glossy sauce coating it. Mixed with the meat are roasted Brussels sprouts that have a golden-yellow color with browned, crispy edges. Small white sesame seeds are sprinkled evenly over the meat and Brussels sprouts, adding texture and contrast. A metal fork is lifting some of the meat and Brussels sprouts, making the layers and textures more visible against the white marble surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this stir-fry, I love to present it hot, straight from the pan, because the caramelized Brussels sprouts and the saucy beef taste best warm. I usually spoon it generously over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite even more comforting.

For garnishing, aside from the sesame seeds, I sometimes scatter finely chopped fresh cilantro or a few extra green onion slices to add brightness and color contrast. Adding a few lime wedges on the side lets everyone control the citrus zing to their preference. This little touch makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant on the plate.

As for drinks, I find that a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly effervescent sparkling water with lemon pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy notes of the dish. It’s also perfect for casual weeknight dinners or when friends are over for a relaxed meal. The serving portions are satisfying but not overwhelming, so it’s ideal whether you’re cooking for two or a family of four.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I’ve also experimented with plant-based ground meat substitutes, which work really well here, especially paired with gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-friendly version. For a vegan twist, simply omit the meat and sauté some extra Brussels sprouts along with firm tofu cubes for protein.

Flavor-wise, you can adjust the heat level by dialing up the sriracha or using a different chili sauce if you prefer something smokier or spicier. To deepen the flavor, adding a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end brings a wonderful nutty aroma. Another fun variation I occasionally try is roasting the Brussels sprouts separately before mixing them in, which adds a more intense caramelized flavor and crunch.

While stovetop stir-frying is my favorite method for this recipe due to its quickness and control over texture, you could also cook it in a wok or even use an air fryer for the Brussels sprouts before combining everything. This flexibility means you can easily tailor the recipe to your kitchen setup and preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the stir-fry cool to room temperature and transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find that storing it in a shallow container helps it cool evenly and prevents sogginess. The flavors actually get a little more melded and delicious after a day, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe freezes really well, which is great for meal prep. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months frozen. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, which helps preserve the caramelization on the Brussels sprouts and prevents them from getting mushy. You can add a splash of water or extra lime juice during reheating to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the Brussels sprouts lose their texture and the beef can become dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe?

Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used in a pinch, but I recommend thawing and draining them well to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent caramelization and make the stir-fry watery. Fresh shredded Brussels sprouts deliver the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly spicy if you include sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking by adding more, less, or omitting it entirely. The sweet chili sauce provides a gentle sweetness with just a bit of tang and mild spice, making it accessible for most palates.

What can I serve this stir-fry with besides rice?

While rice is my favorite pairing, this recipe also goes well with noodles, like rice noodles or soba. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside quinoa. It’s also delicious scooped into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy alternative.

Can I prep any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can shred the Brussels sprouts and slice the green onions a day in advance to save time. You could also mix the sauce ingredients ahead, though I usually add the lime juice fresh at the end for brightness. The ground beef is best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Why do you recommend avocado oil?

I prefer avocado oil because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which makes it perfect for sautéing without burning or imparting unwanted tastes. However, you can substitute with other oils like canola or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.

Conclusion

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that strikes a perfect balance between quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself to something special without any fuss. Give it a shot, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!