Introduction
This Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple, one-pan meal packed with flavor and nutritious veggies. With tender beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory soy-based sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat. This adds an extra layer of spice that complements the savory soy sauce beautifully.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos and swap out the carrot for zucchini or mushrooms to reduce the carb content while keeping it flavorful and satisfying.
- Extra Crunch & Texture: Toss in a handful of chopped cashews, peanuts, or water chestnuts for added crunch. This makes each bite more exciting and adds a nutty contrast to the tender cabbage.
Cooking Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days just reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Steamed Rice or Noodles: Serve this stir-fry over white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or even egg noodles to soak up the savory sauce. For a healthier option, try cauliflower rice.
- As a Lettuce Wrap Filling: Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce leaves for a light, low-carb alternative. The crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm stir-fry.
- With a Fried Egg on Top: A runny fried egg adds extra richness to this dish. The creamy yolk mixes beautifully with the stir-fry and enhances the umami flavors.
Tips
- Choose the Right Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. Leaner beef (90/10) works too, but adding a little extra oil can help keep it juicy.
- Slice Vegetables Evenly: Cut the onion, bell pepper, and carrot into uniform slices so they cook at the same rate, ensuring that every bite has a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
- Make It a Meal Prep Favorite: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg (varies based on soy sauce and seasonings)
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used in place of beef. Just be mindful that leaner meats may require a little extra oil to keep them from drying out. -
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the best texture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is labeled gluten-free. -
What can I serve with this dish?
This stir-fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. A side of dumplings or miso soup makes for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to stir-fry that’s both hearty and nutritious. Give it a try, and feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins! 🍽️
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Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple, one-pan meal packed with flavor and nutritious veggies. With tender beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory soy-based sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days just reheat in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg (varies with soy sauce)
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Beef Stir Fry, Cabbage Stir Fry, Easy Stir Fry Recipe, Quick Dinner, Beef and Cabbage Recipe