Name: Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: shredded Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes

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A satisfying, savory skillet dish combining hearty ground beef, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and warm spices—perfect for a low-carb, wholesome weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal that’s quick, easy, and filling
Brussels sprouts gain delicious crisp edges and deep flavor
Ground beef adds protein and savory richness
Flexible—with customizable seasoning and optional garnishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes

Directions

Prep sprouts: Trim and halve Brussels sprouts; pat dry.
Brown beef: Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 Tbsp in the pan.
Sauté sprouts: Add remaining oil and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until softened (~3 min). Stir in Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook undisturbed for 4–5 min until seared. Flip and cook another 4 min until tender.
Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine beef & sprouts: Return ground beef to skillet and toss to combine. Cook 1–2 min until heated through and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve: Plate skillet mixture and garnish with Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Asian twist: Add 2 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil; garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
Cheesy version: Stir in shredded cheddar or fontina at the end to melt over everything
Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne with the garlic
Tomato twist: Add diced tomatoes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang
Low-carb taco: Add cumin and chili powder, and serve in lettuce wraps with avocado

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave covered for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes—ground turkey or chicken work well; brown and season as directed.

Can I prep ahead?

Yes—trim sprouts and dice onion ahead. Cook and reheat when ready.

Is this dish low-carb?

Yes—Brussels sprouts and ground beef are naturally low-carb. Adjust seasoning choices if needed.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely—add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when you sauté the onions.

How do I get sprouts crispy?

Pat them dry, sear cut-side down, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes—freeze cooled portions in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Does it reheat well?

Yes—reheat gently in the skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain juiciness.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes—add red pepper flakes, chopped chili, or spicy sauce at the end.

What sides pair well?

Serve with cauliflower rice, simple salad, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.

Can I add cheese?

Definitely—melt a sprinkle of Parmesan, cheddar, or feta over top just before serving.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet dish delivers hearty comfort with crisp-tender sprouts and savory beef—all in one easy, flavorful pan. Quick, nutritious, and versatile, it’s sure to become a go-to for weeknight dinners. Enjoy every savory, satisfying bite!

Sophia