If you are craving a flavorful, hearty, and quick dinner that feels both comforting and fresh, then this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it packs an incredible punch of savory richness from the ground beef paired perfectly with the tender-crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots. The ginger and garlic add a fresh, zesty brightness while the soy sauce and hoisin tie everything together in a luscious, umami-filled sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of dish that comes together fast, tastes like it’s been simmering all day, and leaves you wanting seconds every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient has its role, building layers of texture, flavor, and color that make every bite interesting and satisfying.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty foundation of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor and protein.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle nutty aroma and helps achieve that classic stir-fry sizzle.
- Green cabbage (4 cups, shredded): Offers crunch and a mild sweetness that balances the beef beautifully.
- Carrot (1 medium, julienned): Brings vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses a pungent, aromatic depth to the stir-fry.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Delivers a warm zing that brightens every bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides a savory backbone without overwhelming saltiness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle tang that lifts the richness.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity if you like a slightly saucier stir-fry.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick of heat to wake up your taste buds.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh, sharp flavor and a splash of green to finish the dish beautifully.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds a delicate crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, heat your sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering just right, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, stirring frequently so it browns evenly and cooks through in about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the rich, meaty base flavor your stir-fry needs. If your beef releases a lot of fat, don’t hesitate to drain a bit to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is perfectly browned, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. These aromatics will release their enticing fragrance almost immediately, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. Stir them together with the beef and cook for about 1 minute—it’s a short step but essential for layering flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Toss in the Vegetables
Now it’s time to bring in the crunch and color. Stir in your shredded cabbage and julienned carrot. Keep the heat on medium-high and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often. You want the veggies to soften just enough that they’re tender but still have that satisfying crispness. This contrast in texture makes each bite really enjoyable and keeps the dish light and fresh.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in your soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the optional hoisin sauce if you love a bit more sauce depth and slight sweetness. Add the crushed red pepper flakes to give a gentle heat that livens up the dish without overpowering it. Stir everything together, making sure that sauce evenly coats all the ingredients, then cook for another 2 minutes to marry all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and sprinkle your sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. These final touches add freshness, texture, and that little dash of nutty flavor to round out the dish perfectly. Now, your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is ready for the table and to be devoured eagerly.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is like putting on the final brushstrokes of a painting. Fresh green onions sliced thinly provide crunch and an oniony zest, while toasted sesame seeds lend a subtle nutty crunch that complements the sesame oil beautifully. For a bit of extra flair, a squeeze of fresh lime or a handful of chopped cilantro can brighten and personalize the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a warm scoop of steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb dinner, try it over cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles. If you want more variety at the table, lightly sautéed bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad can add refreshing contrast alongside this hearty main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond the classic plate, serve this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe over lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist. You can also stuff it into warm tortillas for a fusion taco-style meal, or plate it alongside steamed dumplings for an Asian-inspired feast. The hearty nature of the stir-fry means it can adapt easily to how you want to enjoy it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though this dish rarely lasts long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stir-fry keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days and actually benefits from resting as the flavors meld even deeper. Just be sure to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to prep in advance. Portion out the stir-fry into freezer-safe containers or bags, then label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, splash a little water or soy sauce to revive the moisture and flavor. Microwaving works too — just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between sessions.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as leaner alternatives, and they still pair perfectly with the cabbage and sauce. Adjust cooking time slightly, as these meats may cook faster than beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be. Just swap out regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and omit the hoisin sauce or use a gluten-free version to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan twist, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Increase the ginger and garlic slightly for extra punch, and consider adding mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth without being overpowering. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less depending on your heat preference or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
What can I serve with this to make it a complete meal?
Serving it over steamed jasmine rice or noodles makes it a filling, balanced meal. Pair it with a simple vegetable side or a fresh salad to round things out with some extra greens and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly but feels like you put in so much love and effort—and this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe hits that mark perfectly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, the comforting flavors, fresh crisp veggies, and aromatic spices make it a guaranteed family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to stir-fry that feels just a little like home every time you enjoy it.
Print
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables in an Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot, cooking for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crispness.
- Add sauce: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
- For a low-carb version, skip the rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for leaner protein options.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
