SWEET CHILI GROUND BEEF AND BRUSSELS QUICK

Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts mingling with the savory, slightly spicy, and undeniably sweet flavor of ground beef. This Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels recipe is a flavor explosion that’s also incredibly quick and easy to make, even on the busiest weeknights, and I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Ingredients

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Why This Sweet Chili Beef Recipe Rocks

Okay, let’s be real – there are a million recipes out there, so why should you try this one? Well, first off, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory is just irresistible. The sweet chili sauce brings a delightful sweetness, balanced by the umami of the soy sauce and the slight tang of the rice vinegar. The sesame oil adds a nutty depth, and the red pepper flakes provide a kick if you’re feeling adventurous. But beyond the taste, this Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels is a winner because it’s quick, easy, and relatively healthy. You’re getting protein from the ground beef, fiber and vitamins from the Brussels sprouts, and a ton of flavor without a ton of fuss. It is honestly such a fantastic quick sweet chili beef recipe.

Tips and Tricks for Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels Perfection

Alright, let’s dive into some tips to make sure your Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels is absolutely amazing. I’ve learned these over several iterations of the recipe, so trust me, they’re worth knowing!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. When roasting the Brussels sprouts, make sure they’re in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy sprouts.
• Get the Beef Browned: Browning the ground beef is key to developing a rich, savory flavor. Don’t be afraid to let it get a little crispy.
• Adjust the Heat: The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this to your liking. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a pinch. If you want to set your taste buds on fire, add more!
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference in the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using garlic powder if possible.
• Don’t Overcook the Brussels Sprouts: Nobody likes mushy Brussels sprouts. Roast them until they’re tender and slightly browned, but not falling apart.
• Experiment with Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

Meal Prep For The Week No Carb: Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels Edition

One of the best things about this Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. It’s easy to make a big batch on Sunday and then enjoy it throughout the week. Plus, it’s naturally low carb, making it a great option if you’re following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. If you’re aiming for meal prep for the week no carb, this is a superstar!

Here’s how to meal prep this dish like a pro:

1. Cook Everything According to the Recipe: Follow the recipe as written, making sure to cook the ground beef and roast the Brussels sprouts properly.
2. Let Everything Cool Completely: Before packing the dish into containers, make sure everything has cooled down completely. This will prevent condensation from forming, which can make the food soggy.
3. Portion into Meal Prep Containers: Divide the Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels into individual meal prep containers. I like to use glass containers, but any airtight container will work.
4. Store in the Refrigerator: Store the meal prep containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
5. Reheat Before Serving: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.

Sweet Chili Sauce: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

The heart of this dish is the sweet chili sauce, and you have a couple of options: store-bought or homemade. Both work perfectly well, but they each have their pros and cons.

Store-Bought Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the most convenient option. You can find sweet chili sauce in most grocery stores, usually in the Asian foods section. The flavor can vary from brand to brand, so you might need to experiment to find one you like. Check the label for sugar content if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce: Making your own sweet chili sauce allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. It’s also surprisingly easy to do! There are tons of recipes online, but generally, they involve combining chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version). The homemade version often tastes fresher and brighter than store-bought.

Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels: Variations and Add-ins

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:

• Add Vegetables: Broccoli florets, bell peppers (any color!), sliced carrots, and snow peas all work beautifully in this dish. Simply add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
• Spice it Up: If you’re a heat-seeker, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sweet chili sauce. You can also use a hotter variety of chili pepper when making homemade sweet chili sauce.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy, tangy twist.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it a Bowl: Serve the Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.

Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Sweet Chili Beef Recipe

So there you have it – a quick, easy, and delicious Sweet Chili Ground Beef And Brussels recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and add-ins to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!

Sweet Chili Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This recipe combines the savory taste of ground beef with the sweetness of sweet chili sauce and the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s also great for meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Large bowl
• Large skillet
• Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for Brussels sprouts
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Sesame seeds optional garnish
• Chopped green onions optional garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Prepare the Brussels sprouts: In a large bowl, toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and nicely browned, flipping halfway through.
• While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts directly into the skillet with the ground beef or serve the ground beef over a bed of Brussels sprouts on plates.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting Brussels sprouts. Browning the ground beef is key to developing a rich flavor. Adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes. Fresh garlic is preferred. Don’t overcook the Brussels sprouts. Experiment with variations by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. This recipe is great for meal prepping and is naturally low carb. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.