When you're craving a fast, flavorful dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen, this ground beef cabbage stir fry is your new go-to. It brings together tender ground beef and crisp cabbage tossed in a savory sauce that's both comforting and satisfying.
You’ll love how easy this ground beef cabbage stir fry comes together with everyday ingredients and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome meal without fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for quick dinners.
- Uses simple, affordable pantry staples and fresh cabbage.
- High in protein and packed with veggies for a balanced meal.
- One-pan dish means easy cleanup.
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings or add-ins.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your easy ground beef cabbage stir fry. You can find everything at most grocery stores.
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make Easy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Lower heat to medium and add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions soften.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the ingredients.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh cabbage for the best crunch; avoid pre-shredded cabbage that can be soggy.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage to keep a nice texture and vibrant color.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste—add a splash of rice vinegar for tang or a teaspoon of honey for sweetness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
- Make it a one-pan meal by serving over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. The cooking time remains similar, but be sure to cook thoroughly until no pink remains.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
This recipe is relatively low in carbs due to the cabbage and protein-rich beef. Just be mindful of the sauces used and choose low-carb soy sauce options to keep it keto-friendly.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can be added for extra color and nutrition. Add firmer veggies earlier in the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce while cooking. Fresh chopped chili peppers also add bold heat if you prefer fresh spice.
