Searching for a meal that’s quick, delicious, and packed with nutrients? This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet recipe is your new weeknight hero. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes, delivering a savory, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. We combine perfectly browned ground beef with tender-crisp, caramelized Brussels sprouts in a rich and savory garlic-balsamic sauce. It’s a complete meal that solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma with flair and flavor.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just want a wholesome meal the whole family will love, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet elegant dish.
Why This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a Winner
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Fast and Efficient: From start to finish, this entire dish is ready in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of savory beef, slightly sweet caramelized sprouts, and a tangy garlic-balsamic sauce is absolutely irresistible.
- Healthy and Hearty: This recipe is loaded with protein and nutrient-dense vegetables, keeping you full and satisfied. It’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for keto or paleo diets.
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef to minimize grease. You can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a similar skillet meal with turkey, check out our Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh is best! Look for bright green, firm sprouts. Trim the ends and slice them in half for even cooking.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the foundation of our sauce. Yellow onion provides a touch of sweetness, while fresh garlic adds that signature savory bite.
- Beef Broth: Use a low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a wonderful tangy complexity that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami flavor that deepens the taste of the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef. Avocado oil is another great choice.
How to Make Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect one-pan meal.
- Prep the Sprouts: Start by washing your Brussels sprouts. Trim off the tough bottom ends and remove any yellowing outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
- Sear the Brussels Sprouts: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing them to get a deep, golden-brown sear. This step is key for flavor! Once seared, stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the beef and sprouts in the delicious sauce. Let it all simmer for another 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: To get a good sear on your Brussels sprouts, make sure they are in a single layer. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook them in two batches.
- High Heat is Key: Searing the sprouts over medium-high heat is crucial for developing that delicious caramelized flavor and preventing them from getting mushy.
- Deglaze for Flavor: Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pan when you add the liquids! Those browned bits (the “fond”) are packed with flavor that will enrich your sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or grated Parmesan over the top just before serving.
- Make it Spicy: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.
- Introduce Bacon: Cook a few strips of chopped bacon before searing the sprouts. Crumble the bacon and stir it in at the end for extra savory goodness. For another hearty casserole idea, try our Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in some fresh thyme or rosemary with the garlic for an earthy, aromatic flavor.
What to Serve with Your Skillet Dinner
This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet is a fantastic meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of fluffy Lemon Herb Rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or quinoa. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. And for an extra side of veggies, you can’t go wrong with these amazing Garlic Butter Mushrooms (coming soon).
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it, but reheating on the stovetop helps maintain the texture of the Brussels sprouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally low in carbs. To ensure it’s keto-friendly, use a sugar-free Worcestershire sauce and be mindful of the onion and balsamic vinegar content, as they contain some natural sugars.
While fresh Brussels sprouts will give you the best caramelized texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking to remove as much moisture as possible, which will help them sear rather than steam.
The key is to sear them, not steam them. Cook them cut-side down in a hot skillet over medium-high heat without moving them until they are deeply caramelized. Add them back to the sauce at the very end to just heat through.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time.
This dish is great on its own for a low-carb meal. It also pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
We hope you love this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet! If you make it, please leave a comment below—we’d love to hear from you. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts: The Perfect 30-Minute Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving until golden brown. Stir and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Pour in the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Return the seared Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Stir to combine everything in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure you scrape the bottom of the pan after adding the liquids to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits into your sauce.
Tip 3: For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is sugar-free and serve with cauliflower rice.
