If you’re craving a quick, nutritious, and downright delicious dinner, this Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is your new best friend. It brings together hearty ground beef and vibrant Brussels sprouts in a savory sauce, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This easy recipe is great for busy weeknights, giving you a healthy meal ready in no time, with ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
Nutritious combo: Packed with protein from beef and fiber plus vitamins from Brussels sprouts.
Flavor-packed: A savory sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of umami and garlic kick.
One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup means you spend more time enjoying, less scrubbing.
Super versatile: Easy to tweak with your favorite spices or add-ins based on what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry recipe comes together with straightforward, everyday ingredients that work in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor and satisfying textures. Each component plays an important role, from the savory beef to the crisp Brussels sprouts.

Ground beef: Use lean or regular depending on your preference for juiciness and fat content.
Brussels sprouts: Fresh and halved, they add a delightful crunch and earthy sweetness.
Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone that brings the dish to life.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Adds warmth and subtle spice, perfectly complementing the beef.
Sesame oil: For that nutty finish that takes the stir fry to the next level.
Green onions: Garnish and slight crunch that brighten every bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to spice things up.
Cooking oil: Choose a high-heat oil like vegetable or canola to stir fry properly.

Variations for Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry

One of the best parts about this Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is how easily it adapts to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Swap the beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version without sacrificing protein.
Add crunch: Toss in sliced water chestnuts or chopped cashews for texture contrast.
Vegetarian twist: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based meal.
Spice it up: Incorporate more chili flakes or sriracha to deliver bold heat.
Extra veggies: Throw in sliced bell peppers or snap peas for more color and nutrients.

Easy Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry Recipe

How to Make Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Rinse and dry your Brussels sprouts, then trim the ends and cut each one in half lengthwise. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect caramelized edge when stir-fried.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it browns. Cook until no longer pink and slightly crispy in spots for extra flavor. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Brussels Sprouts

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust, then stir to soften evenly.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return the ground beef to the pan and drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over everything, tossing to combine and coat each bite with that irresistible savory sauce.

Step 5: Final Toss and Serve

Add any optional red pepper flakes if you want heat, then toss everything once more to mix flavors well. Finish off by sprinkling with fresh green onions before plating up your delicious stir fry.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry

Dry your Brussels sprouts: Ensures better browning when frying, avoid steaming them with excess water.
Use medium-high heat: Quick cooking helps keep Brussels sprouts crisp while fully cooking beef.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir fry in batches if necessary to get that nice sear on the ingredients.
Taste as you go: Adjust soy sauce and spice levels to your personal preference for balanced flavor.
Let the garlic and ginger bloom: Cook them briefly before mixing in other ingredients to unlock their full aroma.

How to Serve Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions add a crisp brightness that contrasts perfectly with the rich sauce and tender veggies. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also brings a subtle crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even simple noodles tossed lightly with soy sauce and sesame oil to complement the beef and sprouts without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this stir fry in a warm shallow bowl with a wedge of lime for squeezing on top, or pack it into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld dinner experience. It also makes a fantastic filling for rice paper rolls or stuffed baked potatoes when you want to mix things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better after a day, making for delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

This Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave on medium power in short bursts to keep everything tender and juicy without drying out the beef or overcooking the sprouts.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this stir fry?

While fresh Brussels sprouts are best for texture, frozen ones can work too; just thaw and drain them well before cooking to prevent excess moisture from making the dish soggy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry stores well and tastes great reheated, making it ideal for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.

What cuts of ground beef are best for this recipe?

Ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio strikes a good balance between flavor and juiciness, but leaner options can be used if you prefer less fat.

How do I make the stir fry gluten-free?

Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free without losing the classic umami taste.

Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in favorites like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots to boost color, crunch, and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry is truly a gem for anyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s comforting, filling, and flexible enough to make your own. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can deliver so much flavor and satisfaction on your plate.

Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry

Print Recipe

A quick, nutritious, and flavorful Ground Beef & Brussels Sprouts Stir Fry that combines hearty ground beef with fresh Brussels sprouts in a savory soy-ginger garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste preferences.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, rinsed, trimmed, and halved
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)

Garnishes and Optional Ingredients

2 green onions, sliced
Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse and dry your Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and caramelization when stir-fried.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef until no pink remains and some edges are slightly crispy for extra flavor. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down and cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Stir occasionally to soften them evenly.
Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture and toss to combine, coating all ingredients evenly with the savory sauce.
Final Toss and Serve: If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat and toss everything again to blend flavors. Finish by garnishing with freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Dry your Brussels sprouts well before cooking to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming.
Use medium-high heat to keep Brussels sprouts crisp while fully cooking the beef.
Avoid overcrowding the pan; stir fry in batches if necessary for better searing.
Taste and adjust soy sauce and spice levels to your preference.
Cook garlic and ginger briefly to unlock their full aroma without burning.
For gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: ground beef, Brussels sprouts, stir fry, quick dinner, nutritious meal, one-pan meal, weeknight recipe, gluten-free stir fry