Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for an irresistibly cozy, lightning-fast dinner that checks all the boxes—flavorful, nourishing, and deeply satisfying—this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s delightfully savory, packed with veggies, and comes together in less than half an hour, making it an absolute staple in my meal-planning rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore most about Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is how it transforms humble, everyday staples into an unforgettable meal. Each ingredient—simple as it may be—serves an important role, guaranteeing a balance of hearty and punchy flavors and a beautiful range of textures.

• Grass-Fed Ground Beef: This is the star protein—rich and flavorful, and it browns beautifully for hearty depth.
• Salt: Just a pinch for seasoning the beef, sharpening its flavor.
• Medium Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and a soft bite once sautéed.
• Garlic: Adds a savory backbone and aromatic complexity to every bite.
• Fresh Ginger: Lively and zesty, ginger gives the dish its signature warmth and “zing.”
• Green Cabbage: Shredded and cooked until tender, cabbage is the bulk and crunch—plus it soaks up all the flavors!
• Tamari or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: Delivers that essential umami and a hint of salty depth, while keeping the dish gluten-free.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds irresistible warmth; use more or less to suit your spice preference.
• Sesame Oil: Stirred in at the end, it adds aromatic richness and that classic stir fry finish.
• Green Onion (Optional): Perfect for garnish, adding fresh pop and a splash of color.
• Brown Rice & Water: Fluffy, nutty rice rounds out the meal and makes it hearty enough for dinner.

Variations

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry isn’t just delicious as written—it’s also a total chameleon. Feel free to let this dish flex with whatever is in your fridge, your pantry, or your dietary needs; you can switch it up in so many fun ways!

• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, or bean sprouts along with the cabbage for even more color and crunch.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the brown rice and serve your stir fry in lettuce cups or over cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Heat It Up: Amp up the spiciness with extra red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or even diced fresh chilies.
• Coleslaw Shortcut: When you’re really pressed for time, swap the head of cabbage for a couple of bags of coleslaw mix to skip chopping altogether.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef, sprinkle it with a little salt, and let it brown, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. If you’re using extra-lean beef, feel free to add a splash of oil to prevent sticking and guarantee juicy flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

While the beef cooks, dice your onion into medium pieces. Once the meat is mostly browned but not yet crispy, toss in those onions and sauté together for about 5 minutes. They’ll soften and become beautifully golden, building a base of savory sweetness for the stir fry.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Cabbage

Stir in your minced garlic and freshly grated ginger; let them cook for just 30 seconds so their aromas fill the kitchen. Immediately add your shredded cabbage, pour in the tamari (or soy sauce), and sprinkle over those red pepper flakes. Give it all a good stir—watch as the cabbage wilts and soaks up every bit of flavor!

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Once the cabbage looks soft and tender, remove your pan from the heat. Drizzle the stir fry with sesame oil (this is the magic touch!) and toss to coat. Dish it up with a sprinkle of green onion for a fresh, vibrant lift.

Step 5: Prep Your Brown Rice

If serving with brown rice, prep it alongside your stir fry. Cook 1 cup rice with 2 cups of water—either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop—then allow it to steam with the lid on for 10 minutes. Fluff up with a fork and you’re ready for a hearty, wholesome pairing.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

Top your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with a generous handful of sliced green onions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a dash of sriracha can also add that perfect finishing flair, making the dish feel vibrant and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is hearty on its own, but brown rice is a natural match—nutty and wholesome. You can also serve it over jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter base. For a pop of color and crunch, pair with a quick cucumber salad or some steamed snow peas on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the stir fry nestled in crisp lettuce cups for party-worthy finger food, or pile it over baked sweet potatoes for a cozy dinner twist. You can even use it as a filling for wraps or as a topping for Asian-inspired grain bowls—ground beef and cabbage never gets boring when you play with the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to airtight containers. Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This stir fry is quite freezer-friendly! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The cabbage softens a bit more upon reheating, but the flavors remain bold and satisfying—perfect for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or tamari if needed to loosen things up. Stir gently to preserve the texture, and always finish with a fresh garnish if you have it on hand!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s as comforting as it is convenient, you simply can’t go wrong with Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how you make it your own!

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