Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

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

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  5. 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.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Variation

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. For extra flavor, add a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  2. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  3. Serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a heartier meal.
  4. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days just reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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


  • Author: Avery
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

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