30-Minute Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Skillet

There is something so magical about the smell of savory beef on a crisp autumn evening. It is 6pm and you are likely tired from a long day. Dinner needs to happen fast but you still want something fresh and healthy.

This ground beef and brussels sprouts skillet is the answer to your busy night. It delivers a satisfying, protein-packed meal in just one pan. Your whole family will love the golden, caramelized edges of the sprouts. You will love how easy the cleanup is when you are finished.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone looking for a nutritious reset. It is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly without feeling like diet food. The combination of savory beef and sweet onions is pure comfort food.

It is perfect for those busy fall weeknights when time is short. You only need a handful of budget-friendly ingredients from your pantry. Everything cooks in one skillet so you spend less time washing dishes later. You will feel great serving this wholesome meal to your loved ones.

Simple Cooking Steps

Making this dish is incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly. You start by getting a deep sear on the sprouts for maximum flavor. Then, you simply brown the meat and toss everything back together. It is a fail-proof method that works every single time.

The secret is letting the sprouts sit undisturbed in the hot oil. This creates that beautiful golden crust everyone craves. Even if you are new to cooking, you can master this skillet. It is fast, fresh, and totally doable on any schedule.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find. Using fresh seasonal produce makes a huge difference in the final taste.

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Place brussels sprouts in the skillet cut-side down in a single layer.
3. Sear for 6 minutes without stirring until deeply caramelized and golden.
4. Remove sprouts from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Add ground beef and diced onion to the same skillet.
6. Cook for 8 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles, until browned.
7. Drain any excess fat from the skillet carefully.
8. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
9. Sauté for 60 seconds until the spices smell fragrant.
10. Return the seared sprouts to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes.
11. Adjust seasoning to your taste and serve immediately while hot.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serve this dish warm straight from the skillet for a cozy family dinner. It looks beautiful when the vibrant green sprouts pop against the browned beef. You can serve it as a standalone low-carb meal for a healthy reset. If you want more heartiness, serve it over fluffy white rice.

For a complete meal, add a simple side salad with lemon dressing. Set the table and enjoy a relaxing moment with your family. This dish is also wonderful for easy weekday lunches the next day. It stays flavorful and filling long after it is cooked.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them back into a skillet over medium heat. This helps the sprouts stay tender and crisp rather than getting soggy. You can also use a microwave for a quick two-minute lunch. I do not recommend freezing this dish as the texture changes. Fresh is always best for this specific recipe.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

• Do not skip the 6-minute sear for the sprouts.
• Avoid crowding the pan so the sprouts can brown properly.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best caramelization.
• Drain the beef fat to keep the dish light and fresh.
• Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for extra brightness.
• Double the batch if you are meal prepping for the week.
• Swap the yellow onion for shallots for a milder flavor.
• Include the red pepper flakes for a gentle warming heat.

Ways to Switch It Up

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meal.
• Add chopped bacon at the start for a smoky, salty crunch.
• In summer, swap the brussels sprouts for fresh zucchini slices.
• Top with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving.
• Use maple syrup instead of paprika for a sweet and savory twist.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?

I highly recommend using fresh sprouts for this recipe. Frozen sprouts hold a lot of moisture and will likely become mushy. Fresh ones give you that perfect golden crunch you want.

Is this recipe kid-approved?

Yes, many kids love the natural sweetness of caramelized sprouts. The ground beef makes it familiar and easy for them to eat. You can omit the red pepper flakes if they prefer milder flavors.

How do I know when the sprouts are done?

The sprouts should be tender-crisp and deeply browned on the cut side. You can poke one with a fork to check for tenderness. They should look golden and delicious, not burnt.

I hope this cozy ground beef and brussels sprouts skillet brings warmth to your table. It is the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season with your family. Happy cooking!

— Lidia

Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts Skillet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Place brussels sprouts in the skillet cut-side down in a single layer and sear for 6 minutes without stirring until deeply caramelized.
• Remove sprouts from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
• Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet; cook for 8 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles, until browned and onion is translucent.
• Drain excess rendered fat from the skillet.
• Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the beef; sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
• Reintroduce the seared brussels sprouts to the skillet and toss for 2 minutes to incorporate flavors and reach serving temperature.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.