Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts for a Quick Weeknight Meal

When it comes to creating this flavorful Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish, I’ve gathered a few cherished tips from my years in the kitchen that I just have to share. These little insights can truly elevate your cooking and ensure every bite is perfect.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to get a good sear on my ground beef before adding the aromatics. This creates those wonderful browned bits at the bottom of the pan, which become pure flavor gold when you deglaze with the balsamic vinegar. It adds incredible depth to the entire dish!

Another thing I’ve learned is not to overcrowd your skillet when cooking the Brussels sprouts. Give them a little space to breathe and brown beautifully. This ensures they get that lovely caramelized exterior instead of just steaming.

When preparing the Brussels sprouts, I find that a quick toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting really helps them crisp up nicely. And don’t be shy with the balsamic glaze; letting it simmer and reduce slightly helps it cling to the ingredients, creating that irresistible coating.

Finally, a little patience goes a long way when reducing the balsamic glaze. Let it bubble gently until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This concentration of flavor is what makes the dish truly special and brings out the best in the Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts.

Fun Variations for This Dish

I absolutely adore how versatile recipes can be, and this skillet meal is no exception! While the classic Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts is a winner, it’s so much fun to play with flavors and make it your own. My friend Sarah, for instance, loves a little heat, so she often adds a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.

Spice It Up!

If you’re like Sarah and enjoy a bit of a kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ground beef mixture. It adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the other flavors.

Veggie Boost

You can easily sneak in more vegetables! Sliced bell peppers, chopped carrots, or even some spinach wilted in at the end would be delicious additions. I sometimes add diced sweet potato with the Brussels sprouts for a touch of natural sweetness.

Herbaceous Twists

While dried thyme is wonderful, feel free to experiment with other herbs. A sprinkle of dried oregano or rosemary would also complement the beef beautifully. And a handful of fresh basil or chives stirred in at the very end can add a bright, fresh finish. My mom always said, “Herbs are the jewels of the kitchen!”

Skillet Ground Beef and Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

This hearty one-pan meal features perfectly seasoned ground beef mixed with tender-crisp Brussels sprouts coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, making for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved (or quartered if very large)
• 2 tbsp olive oil divided
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Ground Beef

• 1 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Balsamic Glaze

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

For Garnish (Optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large Skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Small Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare Brussels Sprouts

1. In a large bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut-side down if possible. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned and slightly charred. Toss and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove sprouts from the skillet and set aside.

Cook Ground Beef and Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Combine and Glaze

1. While the beef is cooking, whisk together balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to prepare the glaze.
2. Return the cooked Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Pour the balsamic glaze over everything. Stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and coat the beef and sprouts.
3. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For crispier Brussels sprouts, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of searing in the skillet. Just toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper first. This dish makes great leftovers and can be reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

This hearty Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet meal is so satisfying on its own, but sometimes you just want to round out the plate with a little something extra! I love making a complete meal that feels both wholesome and comforting.

One of my favorite pairings is a simple side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. It’s fantastic for soaking up all that delicious balsamic glaze and makes the meal even more substantial. Another lovely option, especially if you’re looking for something lighter, is a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness beautifully.

For a quick and easy serving idea, consider a slice of crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce – it’s something my husband always insists on! And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving adds a wonderful texture and tangy note. It’s all about creating those delightful moments around the dinner table!

How to Store This Delicious Skillet Meal

When you’ve made a batch of this wonderful Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet meal, you’ll be happy to know that it stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. I always appreciate a recipe that tastes just as good the next day!

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled, transfer any leftover ground beef and Brussels sprouts to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes for a super convenient lunch or a quick reheat dinner.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop it in the microwave. If it seems a little dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or water to help it along. My personal tip? Sometimes I like to add a fresh sprinkle of parsley after reheating – it really brightens up the flavors and makes it feel freshly made!

Nutritional Benefits

This delicious Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts dish offers a wonderful blend of satisfying flavors and great nutrition. It’s packed with protein from the lean ground beef, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and the Brussels sprouts provide a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins, like Vitamin C and K. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of combining indulgence with wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use a different ground meat?

Absolutely! While Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts are a classic pairing, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s cooked through.

How do I make the Brussels sprouts extra crispy?

For crispier Brussels sprouts, ensure they are cut side down on the pan when roasting, and don’t overcrowd the pan. A higher oven temperature can also help achieve that lovely crispy texture.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep components! You can chop the onion and garlic, and trim the Brussels sprouts a day in advance. The full Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts meal is best assembled and cooked fresh, though leftovers reheat well.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, you could try a mix of red wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar for a similar tangy-sweet profile, though the unique depth of balsamic is hard to beat for this Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe.

A Hearty Invitation from My Kitchen to Yours

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious, something that fills your home with warmth and brings smiles to the table. This Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts skillet meal is a testament to that magic – a recipe born from the desire for comforting, flavorful weeknight dinners that don’t compromise on taste or ease. I truly hope you’ll invite this recipe into your kitchen, gather your loved ones, and create some sweet (or in this case, savory!) memories together. Happy cooking, sweet friends!