Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Beef Recipe – A Quick & Flavorful
Cabbage stir-fry with ground beef is a simple, delicious, and budget-friendly dish packed with protein and fiber. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a flavorful combination of ground beef, sautéed cabbage, and a savory blend of spices. Whether you are following a low-carb diet or just looking for a nutritious meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping things healthy. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes!
This Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Beef Recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender-crisp cabbage soaks up the rich umami taste of the seasoned beef, while garlic, onion, and soy sauce enhance the dish with a savory depth. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
This low-carb, high-protein dish is perfect for keto and paleo diets while being gluten-free and dairy-free.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spatula or spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean)
- ½ head cabbage (shredded, about 4 cups)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated) (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for an umami boost)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (for balance)
- 1 tbsp green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred the cabbage into thin strips.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Grate fresh ginger if using.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Push the beef to one side of the pan and add onions and garlic.
- Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and onions turn translucent.
- Stir everything together and add grated ginger (if using).
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet.
- Pour in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well, coating the cabbage with the seasonings.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but remains slightly crisp.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- As a main dish: Serve it on its own for a low-carb meal.
- With rice or noodles: Pair with steamed white rice, brown rice, or stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal.
- Topped with a fried egg: Adds extra protein and richness.
- Wrapped in lettuce cups: For a light and refreshing way to enjoy this dish.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Beef
✔ Choose the right cabbage – Green cabbage works best, but Napa or Savoy cabbage can also be used.
✔ Don’t overcook the cabbage – Keep it slightly crunchy for better texture.
✔ Adjust seasonings – Add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar for extra flavor balance.
✔ Make it spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
✔ Use leaner beef – If using high-fat beef, drain the excess fat for a lighter dish.
Variations
- Keto Version: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and add more healthy fats like avocado oil.
- Spicy Asian Twist: Add chili garlic sauce or Szechuan peppercorns.
- Cheesy Cabbage Stir-Fry: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving.
- Garlic Butter Version: Swap olive oil with butter and add extra garlic for a rich flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can chop the cabbage and onions in advance to save time.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to refresh the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Beef Recipe is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and packed with protein and fiber while keeping the carbs low. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a wholesome and delicious meal, this stir-fry is a must-try.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.