Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a flavor-packed, wholesome weeknight dinner that comes together in a flash, you’re going to adore this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Packed with savory beef, ginger, a mountain of sweet sautéed cabbage, and a whisper of heat, it’s a dinner dream that doesn’t skimp on comfort or nutrition!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is that every ingredient is familiar, affordable, and purposeful—each one brings something that builds flavor, color, or texture. Here’s what goes into your skillet for this quick and hearty meal:

• 1 pound grass-fed ground beef: Opt for grass-fed if possible for rich flavor and extra nutrients, but any ground beef works beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance all the savory flavors.
• ½ medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a flavor base for the stir fry.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic punch that turns up the savory volume.
• 3 tablespoons freshly minced ginger: Fresh ginger brings zingy warmth and the classic stir-fry aroma.
• 1 head green cabbage (about 10-12 cups shredded): Shredded cabbage cooks down to sweet silkiness and packs in fiber.
• 2 tablespoons tamari or gluten-free soy sauce: This brings all the umami goodness and depth.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough to add a gentle heat—adjust to taste!
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A drizzle at the end delivers deep, toasty flavor and aroma.
• Optional: green onion for garnish: For a fresh pop of color and a crisp herbal finish.
• 1 cup brown rice + 2 cups water: Serve your stir fry over fluffy brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Variations

Don’t be shy about changing up your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry—this is one of those endlessly adaptable recipes! Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or simply want to try out new flavors, here are some creative ways to make this dish truly yours:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, crisp snow peas, shredded carrots, or bean sprouts along with the cabbage for a bigger veggie boost and color.
• Switch Up the Protein: Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter or plant-based twist.
• Make It Extra Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a flavor kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice and serve your stir fry in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free dinner.
• Asian-Inspired Sauces: Drizzle with a bit of hoisin, oyster sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar for even more layered flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ¼ teaspoon of salt, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Let it sear until it’s browned all over—with a little caramelization for deeper flavor. If your beef is extra lean, don’t hesitate to drizzle a touch of oil in the pan to get things going.

Step 2: Add Onions and Sauté

While the beef is browning, chop your onion into a medium dice. Stir the onions into the beef and let them cook for about 5 minutes. They’ll soften and begin to add gentle sweetness to your stir fry base.

Step 3: Stir in Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pan. Stir quickly—just 30 seconds—until it’s fragrant and your kitchen smells irresistible. Don’t let these aromatics burn, or they’ll turn bitter!

Step 4: Wilt the Cabbage & Season

Next, pile in all that shredded cabbage. Give everything a good toss, then add the tamari or soy sauce and red pepper flakes. Stir fry (uncovered) for several minutes, until the cabbage wilts down, turns tender, and mingles with all the beefy juices and seasoning.

Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnishes

Remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle with sesame oil for a toasty, nutty aroma. If you love a bright finish, toss on a shower of chopped green onions. Now it’s ready to serve!

Step 6: Prepare the Brown Rice (Optional)

If you’d like to serve your stir fry with brown rice, get it started before you begin the stir fry. Combine 1 cup brown rice with 2 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for ~40 minutes. Let it steam off the heat for another 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork for perfectly tender grains.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

Bright green onions thinly sliced on the diagonal are a classic, but you can also sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds or a handful of fresh cilantro for extra color and crunch. A quick splash of lime juice right before serving adds brightness and balances the savory notes of the stir fry.

Side Dishes

While Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a satisfying complete meal on its own—especially when served over brown rice—it pairs beautifully with steamed edamame, a simple cucumber salad, or a bowl of miso soup for a truly cozy, nourishing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a little different, serve your stir fry wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a handheld twist, or divide it between meal-prep bowls with rice and extra veggies for effortless weekday lunches. You can even pile it onto a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb, veggie-forward presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, spoon your leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftover Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This stir fry is freezer-friendly! Cool it completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little space for expansion). Freeze for up to 3 months. The cabbage may soften a bit more once thawed, but the flavors stay fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave or larger batches on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen if needed. Stir gently to preserve texture and distribute the beef and veggies evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into a bowl of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry! Whether you try it classic or with your own twist, it’s such a cozy, nourishing, and vibrant dinner to add to your regular lineup. Give it a try soon and let it become your new go-to for effortless, flavorful meals!

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