GROUND BEEF & CABBAGE QUICK STIR-FRY

I’ll never forget the first time I tried a version of this dish; a friend, juggling a busy schedule and a new baby, whipped up a surprisingly delicious meal using just ground beef, a head of cabbage, and a handful of pantry staples – it was a revelation! That memory inspired me to create my own go-to recipe for Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry, perfect for those nights when you need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. Trust me, even if you’re a stir-fry newbie, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in no time, and you’ll end up with a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Okay, let’s be real. We all have those nights. The ones where the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is less appealing than, well, anything. That’s where this recipe shines. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• It’s FAST: Seriously, we’re talking 30 minutes, tops. From chopping to serving, it’s a weeknight winner.
• It’s Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are incredibly affordable ingredients. You can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
• It’s Healthy(ish!): Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the cabbage, this stir-fry is a much healthier alternative to takeout. Plus, you can load it up with even more veggies!
• It’s Customizable: Don’t like cabbage? Swap it for bok choy or spinach. Want more heat? Add some chili flakes. This recipe is your blank canvas.
• It’s Delicious: Most importantly, it tastes amazing! The savory ground beef, the slightly sweet cabbage, and the flavorful sauce create a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – this recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have in your fridge and pantry.

• Ground Beef: I usually use 80/20 ground beef for flavor, but you can use leaner ground beef or even ground turkey or chicken.
• Cabbage: Green cabbage is the classic choice, but savoy cabbage or even Napa cabbage will work too.
• Onion: A yellow or white onion provides a good base flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is always best, but garlic powder will do in a pinch.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to.
• Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a touch of tanginess.
• Brown Sugar: A little brown sugar balances out the savory flavors and adds a hint of sweetness. You can also use honey or maple syrup.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: For cooking the beef and vegetables.
• Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

This is where the “mise en place” magic happens. Chop your onion, mince your garlic and ginger, and shred your cabbage. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor!

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. Don’t overcook the cabbage – you want it to retain some of its crunch.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This is your flavor powerhouse! Make sure there are no cornstarch lumps for a smooth sauce.

Step 6: Add the Sauce to the Stir-Fry

Pour the sauce over the ground beef and cabbage mixture. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly. Watch out for splattering!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve your Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry hot, over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Stir-Fry

Want to take your stir-fry game to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Use a Hot Pan: A hot pan is essential for stir-frying. It helps the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly, and it prevents them from steaming.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cut the Vegetables into Uniform Sizes: This will ensure that they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Taste and Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more soy sauce, rice vinegar, or brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Get Creative with the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stir-fry, such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to give your stir-fry a kick.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Protein: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu.
• Vegetables: Swap the cabbage for bok choy, spinach, kale, or any other leafy green. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli.
• Sauce: Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or a chopped chili pepper to make it spicy.
• Sweetness: Use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead of brown sugar.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or noodles.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a few simple sides:

• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all great choices.
• Noodles: Egg noodles, ramen noodles, or soba noodles are also delicious.
• Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls are a classic pairing with stir-fry.
• Soup: Miso soup or egg drop soup are light and flavorful options.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the savory stir-fry.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to prep and store your Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry:

• Make-Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply brown the ground beef and add the vegetables and sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love this Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

Craving something equally quick and satisfying? Check out my Egg Roll In A Bowl, a deconstructed version of the classic appetizer that’s ready in minutes.

For a hearty and comforting meal, try my Taco Casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and is always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re looking for another delicious beef stir-fry, I highly recommend my Chinese Beef And Broccoli. The tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a flavorful sauce that will have you licking your plate clean.

And if you’re in the mood for a classic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Salisbury Steak, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s always a hit.

For a fun twist on taco night, try my Baked Ground Beef Tacos. They’re easy to make, and everyone can customize their own tacos with their favorite toppings.

Another quick and easy beef recipe is Pepper Steak, a classic dish that’s full of flavor.

Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Here’s the full recipe, ready for you to print or save!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
5. Pour the sauce over the ground beef and cabbage mixture. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! Your complete guide to making the perfect Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry. I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation, offering a quick, affordable, and delicious meal for those busy weeknights. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ground Beef and Cabbage Quick Stir-Fry

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, budget-friendly, and healthy-ish meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s customizable with various vegetables and protein options, making it a versatile and delicious dish the whole family will enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions for garnish optional
• Red pepper flakes for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spoon
• small bowl
• whisk
• cutting board
• knife
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
6. Pour the sauce over the ground beef and cabbage mixture. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Use a hot pan for stir-frying and don’t overcrowd it. Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For variations, substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu. Swap cabbage for bok choy or spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.