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; 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce; 1/2 of a lime, juiced; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

If you’ve been hunting for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and a little adventurous, you’re in for a treat with my Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe. This dish hits all the right notes—meaty, tangy, mildly spicy, with that fresh crunch from the Brussels sprouts. I absolutely love how it comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect when you want something wholesome without fussing over complicated steps.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Easy: It’s tossed together super fast—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave home-cooked flavor without the wait.
A Flavor Punch: The sweet chili sauce balanced with lime juice gives this stir-fry a vibrant, tangy-sweet kick that’s irresistible.
Healthy Twist: Brussels sprouts bring that fresh crunch and nutrients—way tastier when caramelized with a bit of savory beef.
Versatile to the Core: You can easily swap in ground turkey or add extra veggies to make it your own.

This dish shows a close-up of a cooked mix with two main layers: crumbled brown cooked ground meat and halved roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy green leaves, all cooked together. The meat is dark brown and looks juicy, covering most of the image with small chunks and a rough texture. The Brussels sprouts are bright yellow-green with some parts browned and caramelized on the edges. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the whole dish, adding a little contrast. In the center, a wooden spoon scoops up a portion, lifting some of the mix, showing the layers well. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime, healthy ground beef stir-fry, quick weeknight dinner recipe, easy stir-fry with Brussels sprouts, flavor-packed beef stir-fry

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe really comes from combining simple everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When shopping, look for bright green, firm Brussels sprouts and good quality ground beef for the best flavor.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef formed into a natural mound, whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small bunch of thinly sliced green onions with bright green stalks, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy deep red sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl holding golden avocado oil, a halved fresh lime showing vibrant green flesh, a small white bowl of pale beige sesame seeds, and a neat pile of shredded bright green Brussels sprouts all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic plates and bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime, healthy ground beef stir-fry, quick weeknight dinner recipe, easy stir-fry with Brussels sprouts, flavor-packed beef stir-fry

Lean ground beef: I prefer lean to keep this dish from getting greasy, plus it browns nicely without too much shrinkage.
Garlic powder: A quick flavor boost without the fuss of peeling and mincing cloves.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning at different steps to layer the flavors well.
Green onions: Fresh and vibrant, they add a nice mild onion flavor that softens when cooked.
Low sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and umami; low sodium prevents overpowering the dish.
Sriracha (optional): Brings a mild heat—feel free to skip or add more depending on your spice preference.
Avocado oil: It has a high smoke point perfect for sautéing without burning.
Shredded Brussels sprouts: I love buying them pre-shredded for convenience, but slicing your own works great too!
Sweet chili sauce: This is where the sweetness and a touch of spice come alive, tying everything together.
Lime juice: Adds that fresh, zesty punch I always crave in stir-fries—it brightens the whole dish.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a little toasty crunch and cute garnish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking the Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to experiment—this recipe is super forgiving and welcomes your personal touch.

Add more veggies: I sometimes toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch—it makes the stir-fry even more vibrant.
Protein swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully if you want to mix it up or reduce fat.
Mild or fiery: Adjust the sriracha amount or swap for a milder chili paste to suit every spice tolerance.
Make it gluten-free: Just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos—no one will miss a beat.

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

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef with Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your lean ground beef. As the beef begins to brown, crumble it with a spatula so you end up with nice small pieces. Toss in the sliced green onions and season everything with garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sriracha if you’re using it. This step develops a rich, savory foundation—the smell alone pulled me back to my childhood kitchen. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, then transfer it to a plate. Don’t rush this or you’ll miss out on that lovely caramelized flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts to Tender Perfection

Wipe out the skillet, then add avocado oil and heat it. Toss in your shredded Brussels sprouts and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté them on medium-high heat, stirring often, until they soften and get some golden caramelized edges—about 7-10 minutes. I discovered this trick after years of undercooking them; that caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and cuts any bitterness. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, and don’t overcrowd the pan for best results.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with Sweet Chili and Lime

Return the cooked ground beef and green onion mixture back to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and squeeze in fresh lime juice, then gently toss everything to coat evenly. The sauce should beautifully cling to every piece, creating that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Give it a minute on the heat so the flavors meld, then take it off. If you like, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch that adds an extra layer of yum.

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe

Don’t rush browning: Let the beef brown undisturbed in places to develop that rich caramelized flavor—avoid stirring too frequently.
Shred sprouts thinly: This cooks them evenly and quickly; I like buying pre-shredded for convenience, but fresh also works.
Balance sauce last: Add the sweet chili and lime at the end so the bright flavors remain fresh and don’t cook off.
Avoid soggy sprouts: High heat and minimal stirring help keep them crisp-tender, not mushy.

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

A black pan filled with cooked ground meat and halved Brussels sprouts scattered evenly across the top, with some leaves slightly charred and curled from cooking. The meat is brown and crumbly, forming the base layer, while the Brussels sprouts add green and yellow hues with some golden brown edges. White sesame seeds are sprinkled lightly over the dish, adding texture and small white highlights. The pan rests on a white marbled surface seen in the background, with a gray cloth partially visible to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime, healthy ground beef stir-fry, quick weeknight dinner recipe, easy stir-fry with Brussels sprouts, flavor-packed beef stir-fry

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are toasted sesame seeds for a toasted, nutty crunch and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for freshness. Sometimes I add a few lime wedges on the side for anyone who likes an extra zesty squeeze—trust me, it brightens the whole thing.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice—it soaks up the amazing sauce perfectly. Sometimes I swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple cucumber salad with a splash of rice vinegar also works beautifully to cool down the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I like to plate this in little bowls topped with extra sesame seeds, a lime wedge, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro—makes it feel a bit more special. You could even serve it over crispy wonton chips for a fun twist that always surprises guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cool it quickly, then refrigerate so the Brussels sprouts don’t get overly soft. Simply reheat gently on the stove to keep that fresh stir-fry texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry a couple of times with decent success. Just cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge to keep texture intact.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or lime juice to refresh the flavors and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the Brussels sprouts soggy and less tasty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this stir-fry?

While fresh is best for texture, you can use frozen shredded Brussels sprouts if that’s what you have on hand. Just thaw and drain any extra water before sautéing to avoid soggy sprouts.
Is this recipe spicy?

The level of heat depends on how much sriracha you add. I keep it mild by adding just a teaspoon, but you can increase or omit to suit your taste.
What can I serve instead of rice?

Cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even noodles work great as a base. For a low-carb option, simply enjoy it on its own or with a side of steamed greens.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for firm tofu or tempeh crumbles and use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The sweet chili and lime flavors still shine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe a try soon—I keep coming back to it because it’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite. It feels like a little celebration on a busy night, and my family goes crazy for it every time. Plus, it’s a smart way to sneak in more veggies without any complaints. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your rotation too, just like it is in mine!

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry with Sweet Chili and Lime Recipe