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Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry featured image showcases the flavorful and easy one-pan meal.

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 450

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.