Name: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil); 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded; ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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If you love quick, flavor-packed dinners that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, you’re about to discover your new weeknight hero: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry. This colorful skillet meal is a delicious blend of tender beef, crisp cabbage, and zippy aromatics, all tossed with a savory sauce that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re craving something low carb, prepping meals for the week, or just searching for a cozy, nourishing dinner, this easy recipe delivers big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Each element plays an essential role, boosting the flavor, texture, or visual appeal of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Ground Beef: Rich and hearty foundation, bringing satisfying flavor and protein to the dish.
Sesame Oil (or Olive Oil): Adds a warm, nutty aroma; sesame oil especially gives a distinctly Asian flair.
Yellow Onion: Thinly sliced for just the right hint of sweetness and texture contrast.
Garlic: Punches up the flavor with classic savory notes.
Fresh Ginger: Brings zesty brightness and a gentle heat that makes the whole stir-fry sing.
Green Cabbage: Main veggie star—crisp and mild, it soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Carrots: For a pop of color and a subtle touch of natural sweetness.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free): Deep, savory flavor; the backbone of the stir-fry sauce.
Rice Vinegar: Brightens the dish and balances all those savory notes.
Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (optional): For the spice lovers; adds a customizable kick of heat.
Salt and Pepper: Essential and simple seasonings to fine-tune flavor to your liking.
Green Onions: Fresh, sharp finish that wakes up every bite.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional): Little gems for crunch and a final nutty accent.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the sesame oil, letting it get fragrant, and add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon as it sizzles, and keep cooking until it turns nicely browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it off to keep the stir-fry from becoming too greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Stir in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These powerhouse aromatics will infuse your beef with loads of flavor. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onions start to soften and everything smells irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Next, add the cabbage and carrots to the pan. Give everything a good mix so the veggies are coated in all that savory, spicy base. Cook while stirring frequently for another 5 to 7 minutes—long enough for the vegetables to soften slightly, but make sure they keep their lovely crunch.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce

Push the beef and veggies to the edges, pour the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if you’re going for heat) right into the center, then quickly stir to coat everything. The cabbage will soak up that bold, savory sauce and the rice vinegar’s tang will keep things light. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything looks glossy and mouthwatering, turn off the heat. Top your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a burst of freshness and crunch. Now it’s ready for your favorite serving style!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the magic of a little crunchy or fresh garnish! Try a handful of sliced green onions for a sharp, fresh lift or a shower of toasted sesame seeds for delicious nutty bits. A squeeze of lime or a handful of cilantro can add even more color and brightness just before you dig in.

Side Dishes

While Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is fantastic solo, you can build it into a heartier meal with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. If you like, some steamed edamame, miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad rounds out the table beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

This versatile stir-fry can easily become lettuce wraps for a handheld dinner, or you can tuck it inside rice paper rolls for a fun lunch. Top a big serving with a runny fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast bowl. You can even toss leftovers onto a salad for a surprisingly satisfying next-day lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry holds up exceptionally well. Cool it completely, then store in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, making your next meal just as irresistible.

Freezing

This stir-fry can be frozen beautifully. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and you’ll have a speedy, wholesome meal ready anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry in a skillet over medium heat until steaming hot, or use the microwave in 30-second bursts. A splash of water or extra soy sauce keeps everything moist and lively, so your leftovers taste just-made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work really well and offer a leaner alternative. Even ground pork or a meat substitute can be swapped in without missing out on flavor or texture.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

This recipe is super flexible. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms slide right in for extra crunch and color. Just aim to slice them thinly so they cook quickly and blend well with the cabbage.

Is Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry gluten-free?

It absolutely can be! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check all condiments. With this easy tweak, you can keep the stir-fry completely gluten-free and equally delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

On its own, it’s mild and family-friendly. The sriracha or chili garlic sauce is totally optional, so you can dial up the heat for spice lovers or skip it entirely if you prefer things mellow.

Can I make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry in advance?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! It keeps in the fridge for several days and reheats beautifully, so feel free to make extra for super-easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried cooking Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry at home yet, now’s the moment to dive in! It’s speedy, wholesome, and endlessly customizable—guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t wait for a special occasion, just grab those ingredients and discover just how comforting and delicious this easy stir-fry can be.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and quick ground beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe with Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the stir-fry:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, julienned or shredded
¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Cook ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Saute aromatics: Add sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add vegetables: Stir in cabbage and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Season and finish: Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serve: Enjoy on its own or over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.