Ground Beef Cabbage Stir: Tasty 40-Min Meal

Ground beef cabbage stir has become my go-to for busy weeknights, and I think you’ll love it too! It’s one of those incredibly satisfying meals that comes together so fast, filling your kitchen with the most amazing aromas. I remember the first time I made this ground beef and cabbage recipe; the sizzle of the beef, the sweet scent of the sauce, and the slight crunch of the cabbage had my family asking for seconds before they even finished their first plate. It’s a simple dish, but the flavors are anything but. Let’s get cooking this delicious ground beef cabbage stir fry!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

This simple ground beef cabbage stir is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and uses budget-friendly ingredients.

• Incredibly Fast: Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The savory-sweet sauce coats everything beautifully, creating a truly memorable bite.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are inexpensive staples, making this a great meal for any budget.
• Versatile: This ground beef cabbage stir fry recipe is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the cabbage and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice.
• Minimal Cleanup: Often, you can make this entire dish in just one wok or skillet!
• Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it ideal for lunches.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

Gathering your ingredients for this easy ground beef cabbage stir is the first step to a fantastic meal. You’ll find that the simple combination of pantry staples and fresh produce makes this ground beef and cabbage recipe incredibly approachable.

• 1 lb ground beef – I prefer an 80/20 blend for the best flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped – a yellow or white onion works perfectly. Onions are a staple in many cuisines.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a wonderful aromatic depth.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped – for a touch of fresh crunch.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped – adds sweetness and color contrast.
• 1 small head of cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), thinly sliced – this is the star, so make sure it’s sliced thin for quick cooking.
• 1/2 cup beef broth – helps create a lovely sauce base.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce – the backbone of our savory sauce.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – this is our thickener for that perfect sauce consistency.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – adds a nutty, toasty flavor that’s essential for stir-fries.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – brings a warm, spicy note.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a little kick if you like it spicy.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for stir-frying.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors.
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh, oniony bite at the end.
• Sesame seeds (for garnish) – for a little texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

This ground beef and cabbage stir fry recipe is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this flavorful dish comes together!

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Remove the cooked beef from the wok and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same wok. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it starts to soften and become translucent, usually about 3-5 minutes. You’ll start to smell that wonderful onion aroma!
3. Step 3: Now, add the minced garlic and the chopped green and red bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still have a bit of a bite.
4. Step 4: It’s time for the cabbage! Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about 5-7 minutes. You want the cabbage to wilt down and soften, but still retain a pleasant crispness – don’t let it get mushy!



5. Step 5: While the cabbage is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for a little heat). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
6. Step 6: Pour this luscious sauce mixture into the wok with the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together well, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened beautifully and coats the ingredients. This is where the magic happens for your cabbage stir fry with ground beef.
8. Step 8: Taste your creation and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Adjust the seasonings to your preference.
9. Step 9: Remove the wok from the heat and let the ground beef cabbage stir fry for dinner rest for a minute or two. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
10. Step 10: Garnish generously with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

Want to elevate your ground beef and cabbage stir fry? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference.

• Pre-slice your cabbage and chop all your veggies before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast, so you need everything ready to go.
• Don’t overcrowd the wok! Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming. This is key for a good ground beef cabbage stir fry recipe.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Soy sauce can vary in saltiness, so a final check ensures perfect flavor.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Cabbage Stir?

The secret lies in the sauce and not overcooking the cabbage. A balanced sweet and savory sauce, combined with cabbage that’s still slightly crisp, creates the best texture and flavor in your savory ground beef cabbage stir.

Can I make Ground Beef Cabbage Stir ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead. Chop your veggies and mix the sauce up to a day in advance. Cook the beef and then combine everything when you’re ready to eat for the freshest result.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Cabbage Stir?

Avoid steaming the beef by cooking it in batches. Also, resist the urge to overcook the cabbage; it should still have a slight bite. Finally, ensure your sauce ingredients are well-combined before adding them to the wok to prevent lumps.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

This versatile ground beef and cabbage stir fry is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it a few different ways to mix things up. A classic pairing is over fluffy steamed white or brown rice; it’s the perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a little extra texture and a different flavor profile, try serving it with noodles – ramen or even spaghetti can work in a pinch! If you’re looking for something lighter, this easy ground beef cabbage stir is also great served in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this delicious ground beef cabbage stir fry. Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 850mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

One of the best things about this ground beef cabbage stir fry is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooked, let the stir fry cool down completely before storing it. I like to divide it into individual portions using airtight containers. This makes grabbing a quick meal so much easier during the week. You can keep your ground beef cabbage stir fry in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, I usually opt for the microwave, just stirring it halfway through for even heating. If you prefer, you can also gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Cabbage Stir

What’s the best way to cut the cabbage for this ground beef cabbage stir fry?

For the best texture in this ground beef and cabbage stir fry, I like to slice the cabbage thinly. Aim for shreds about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures it wilts down nicely without becoming mushy, while still offering a pleasant crunch. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer works great for this. Vegetable preparation is key to a good stir-fry.

Can I use different vegetables in this ground beef cabbage stir fry?

Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. Feel free to add other veggies like sliced carrots, broccoli florets, mushrooms, snow peas, or even some bean sprouts. Just make sure to add them at the right time during the stir-frying process, adding harder vegetables first and quicker-cooking ones towards the end. This is a fantastic way to use up whatever you have on hand for a truly custom ground beef cabbage stir fry with vegetables.

How do I make this ground beef cabbage stir fry recipe spicier?

If you love a little heat, you can easily amp up the spice in this easy ground beef cabbage stir. The recipe already includes optional red pepper flakes, but you can add more to the sauce or sprinkle them in during the stir-frying process. A dash of sriracha or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works wonders. Experiment to find your perfect level of spice!

Is this ground beef cabbage stir fry healthy?

Yes, this is a pretty healthy dish! It’s packed with lean protein from the ground beef and fiber from the cabbage and bell peppers. By controlling the amount of sugar and sodium in the sauce, and using lean ground beef, you create a balanced and nutritious meal. It’s a great option for a healthy ground beef cabbage stir fry that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Variations of Ground Beef Cabbage Stir You Can Try

This ground beef cabbage stir fry is so adaptable, and I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary needs. It’s a great base for all sorts of delicious twists. Here are a few of my favorite ground beef cabbage stir fry variations to try out:

• Spicy Peanut Ground Beef Cabbage Stir: For a real flavor kick, add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter and a teaspoon of sriracha to your sauce. This creates a rich, slightly sweet, and spicy peanut sauce that’s amazing with the tender cabbage and beef. It transforms the dish into a whole new experience.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the rice or noodles entirely! Serve this easy ground beef cabbage stir in crisp lettuce cups (like butter or romaine lettuce). It’s a fantastic, lighter option that’s perfect for a low-carb diet or just when you want something refreshing.
• Ginger-Garlic Pork Cabbage Stir: Don’t have ground beef? You can easily swap it out for ground pork. The flavor profile is similar, and it works just as beautifully with the soy-based sauce. This is a great way to use what you have on hand for a delicious ground beef cabbage stir fry.
• Teriyaki Glazed Stir Fry: For a sweeter, more classic stir-fry flavor, use a pre-made teriyaki sauce in place of the soy sauce and brown sugar mixture. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly depending on your teriyaki sauce. It’s a quick way to get a different, but equally delicious, flavor profile for your ground beef and cabbage stir fry.

For a hearty meal, consider pairing this stir-fry with pasta or a side of bruschetta. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a fresh Caprese salad would be a delightful accompaniment.

Print