Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry

The Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, budget-friendly, and nutritious meal that transforms humble ingredients into something absolutely delicious. Juicy ground beef is cooked with garlic, onions, shredded cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful soy-ginger sauce — all in one skillet!

This dish is a beautiful blend of textures — tender beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory-sweet sauce that coats everything perfectly. It’s hearty enough for dinner, yet light enough to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry because it’s the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and simplicity. It’s made in one pan, comes together in under 25 minutes, and tastes like a cozy home-cooked meal with Asian-inspired flair.

The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates an irresistible umami flavor that elevates every bite.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• ✅ Ready in 20 minutes
• ✅ Budget-friendly — uses everyday pantry ingredients
• ✅ Packed with protein and fiber
• ✅ Low-carb, gluten-free, and keto adaptable
• ✅ One-pan cleanup — perfect for busy weeknights

This is a must-try meal because it’s fast, flavorful, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Even picky eaters love it!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~310 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / American Fusion
• Course: Main Course / Dinner / Lunch

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• ½ head green cabbage (about 5 cups), thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots (or matchstick carrots)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (optional for sweetness)
• ½ tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• Extra drizzle of sesame oil (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown the ground beef.
2. Add aromatics (garlic, onion, ginger).
3. Stir in cabbage and carrots.
4. Add sauces and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
5. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
3. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan.
2. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onions turn translucent.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

1. Add sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet.
2. Stir well to combine everything.
3. Continue cooking for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but still retains a little crunch.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Seasonings

1. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and chili flakes.
2. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
3. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through and well combined.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

• Taste the stir fry and adjust with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off heat and drizzle a touch of sesame oil for extra aroma.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve

This Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry is delicious on its own but can also be paired with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Rice noodles or udon noodles
• Quinoa for a fiber-rich twist

You can also wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun Asian-style lettuce wrap meal!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use lean beef to keep the dish light and less greasy.
• Don’t overcook the cabbage — it should stay slightly crisp for the best texture.
• Add extra veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
• Make it saucy: If you like more sauce, double the soy sauce and vinegar mixture.
• Boost flavor: Add a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of brown sugar for depth.

Variations

1. Spicy Korean-Style Stir Fry – Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) and top with a fried egg.
2. Teriyaki Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry – Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter profile.
3. Ground Turkey or Chicken Version – Substitute beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
4. Vegetarian Option – Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of beef.
5. Low-Sodium Version – Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, red cabbage works beautifully and adds a pop of color.

Q2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Skip the hoisin sauce (or use a sugar-free version), and it fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb diet.

Q3. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! It keeps well for several days and reheats easily — perfect for weekly lunches.

Q4. What other veggies can I add?
Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra nutrients.

Q5. How do I make it spicier?
Add chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chopped jalapeños to turn up the heat.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry is a deliciously simple, healthy, and hearty meal that’s ready in minutes. It’s a perfect blend of protein, crunch, and flavor — a comforting, budget-friendly dinner you’ll turn to again and again.

Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just want a quick one-pan meal, this recipe delivers every time. The savory soy-garlic-ginger combination makes it taste like your favorite takeout — but fresher, lighter, and homemade.