Do you have a craving for a fast and healthy ground beef and cabbage stir-fry? You’ve come to the right place! This budget-friendly, low-carb meal is ready in just 20 minutes and packed with flavor. The combination of tender ground beef and crisp cabbage creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry
I’m thrilled to share this ground beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe with you today! It’s become a regular in my weekly meal rotation, and for good reason. First off, it’s incredibly economical – cabbage is one of the most budget-friendly vegetables you can buy, and when paired with ground beef, it stretches your dollar while delivering maximum nutrition.
The true beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Don’t have green cabbage? Purple works beautifully too! Want to spice things up? Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes! The dish adapts to whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for those nights when you’re working with what’s in your fridge.
The flavors in this stir fry are simply incredible – the slight sweetness from the cabbage pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef, while the sauce brings everything together with its umami-rich profile. And if you’re watching your carbs or following a keto diet, you’ll be thrilled to know this dish fits right in with your nutritional goals!
For more delicious recipe inspiration, check out this Turtle Brownie Cheesecake for a decadent dessert option!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare this delicious ground beef cabbage stir fry, you’ll need:
- A large skillet or wok
- A sharp knife for chopping
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Possible Substitutions and Additions
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have available. Here are some excellent substitutions and additions:
- Protein choices: Although ground beef is classic, ground turkey, chicken are excellent alternatives! For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Cabbage varieties: Green cabbage is classic, but napa cabbage or savoy cabbage offer different textures and flavors. Even a mix of cabbage and Brussels sprouts works beautifully!
- Sauce adjustments: Don’t have oyster sauce? Try hoisin sauce instead. For gluten-free diets, use tamari in place of soy sauce.
- Add-ins: Shredded carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or bean sprouts all make great additions.
- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice can elevate the final dish.
After enjoying this meal, you might want to try this Texas Roadhouse Garlic Butter Chicken for another family-friendly dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this ground beef cabbage stir fry couldn’t be easier! Just follow these simple steps:
- Begin by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. Let it sit for a while so the flavors can blend together.
- Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- Add the ground beef to the hot oil, breaking it into crumbles with your spatula. Cook for 5-6 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains.
- Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the beef. Cook for around 2 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want the cabbage to wilt slightly but still maintain some crispness for texture.
- Pour your prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness and the sauce has been mostly absorbed.
That’s it! Your tasty ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is now ready to be served.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry
This stir fry is wonderful on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider these serving suggestions:
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
- Fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top
- Sliced avocado for added creaminess
- A side of kimchi for a Korean-inspired twist
- An easy cucumber salad featuring rice vinegar and sesame seeds.
For a sweet treat to follow your meal, these Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls make a perfect light dessert!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
After making this dish countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to great:
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: The magic of this dish is in the slight crunch that remains in the cabbage. Cook it just until wilted but still has a pleasant bite.
- Use high heat: True stir-frying requires high heat to get that perfect sear without steaming the ingredients.
- Prep everything first: Have all ingredients chopped and the sauce mixed before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly!
- Season your wok/pan: If using a new wok or pan, make sure it’s properly seasoned to prevent sticking.
- Add some heat: For spice lovers, a dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds wonderful dimension.
Storage Instructions
This ground beef cabbage stir fry keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the cabbage texture does change somewhat upon thawing. For freezing, keep in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to rehydrate. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With only about 10g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet plan.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate the extra volume without overcrowding.
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soggy?
The key is high heat and not overcooking. Stir-fry the cabbage quickly just until it begins to wilt.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms).
Conclusion
This ground beef cabbage stir fry has rescued many of my weeknight dinners when time was short but I still wanted something nutritious and delicious. The umami-rich sauce, tender beef, and crisp-tender cabbage create a harmonious dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and healthy eating goals.
What I love most is how adaptable it is – you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like, depending on what ingredients you have available and how much time you want to spend. It’s truly a recipe that grows with you and adapts to your needs.
I’d absolutely love to see your version of this dish! Feel free to share your photos on Pinterest and tag me so I can admire your creation. And if you have any questions or just want to share how it turned out, drop a comment below – I always enjoy hearing from you!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Remember, these nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.