Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, hearty dinner that’s packed with flavor and veggies, you’ve gotta try this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish combines tender ground beef with crisp cabbage and a savory soy-ginger sauce — it’s like comfort food with a healthy twist. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it on your first try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe come together to balance savory richness with fresh crunch — plus a hint of sweetness that elevates the whole dish. Choosing fresh veggies and quality ground beef really makes a difference, trust me.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the beef cook evenly—don’t use too much, just enough to sauté.
• Ground beef: I recommend 90/10 lean ground beef to avoid excess grease but still keep great flavor.
• Minced ginger: Fresh or jarred, it brings that warming spice to the stir-fry.
• Garlic powder: An easy way to boost savory depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic and ginger nicely for a rounded seasoning.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat that ties the flavors together.
• Brown sugar (optional): Just a touch for balance—if you’re watching carbs, you can skip it without losing much.
• Green cabbage: Thinly sliced for that perfect tender-crisp texture in the final dish.
• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for color, sweetness, and crunch.
• Shredded carrots: Adds natural sweetness and brightness.
• Green onions: Sliced to sprinkle in for a fresh, sharp finish.
• Soy sauce: The salty umami backbone that makes everything taste incredible.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a gentle tang that lifts all the flavors so the dish isn’t too heavy.
• Sesame seeds: For garnish—they add a lovely nutty crunch right before serving.

Variations

One thing I love about this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve tried swapping veggies and tweaking the sauce to keep things fresh. Don’t hesitate to make it suit your taste buds or dietary needs!

• Low-carb option: Ditch the brown sugar to cut down on carbs without losing flavor—my go-to when watching intake.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a kick; I’ve found it wakes the whole dish right up.
• Veggie swap: You can replace the red bell pepper or carrots with snap peas, mushrooms, or even broccoli for a different texture.
• Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works if you want a leaner option; cooking time stays about the same.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it safe and just as tasty.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef Just Right

Start by heating a half tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When it’s hot but not smoking, add the ground beef. I like to break it apart right away with a spatula and keep stirring so it browns evenly. This usually takes about 5 minutes. You want little crispy bits to develop—it adds flavor! Don’t forget to drain any excess fat after browning; otherwise, your stir-fry can get greasy.

Step 2: Bring in the Aromatics

Once your beef is nicely browned and drained, stir in the minced ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and optional brown sugar. Cook this mix for another 2 minutes to let the spices release their magic. I discovered that pre-mixing these spices saves time and ensures your beef is evenly flavored.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables for Crunch and Color

Here comes the good stuff! Add your thinly sliced cabbage, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions directly into the skillet. Stir-fry them with the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You’ll find that slicing the veggies thinly helps them cook fast and keeps that satisfying crunch, which I personally love in this dish.

Step 4: Season and Finish with Sauce

Whisk together your soy sauce and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and give everything a thorough stir so all those delicious flavors coat the meat and veggies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove the skillet from heat. That slight simmer helps the sauce thicken just enough to cling without sogginess.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the stir-fry to your serving dish and sprinkle a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds on top. This final touch adds a little nutty crunch and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. Trust me, your family will go crazy for this!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this stir-fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they add subtle nuttiness and a light crunch that make each bite more interesting. Sometimes, I’ll also toss on some chopped fresh cilantro or extra sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Since the stir-fry is pretty hearty on its own, I usually keep it simple with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Sometimes, a light cucumber salad on the side adds a refreshing balance to the savory beef and cabbage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe wrapped in butter lettuce leaves as easy-to-eat cups. It turns the dish into bite-sized delights that everyone loves. You can also spoon it over rice noodles and drizzle with a little extra soy sauce for an Asian-inspired bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge where they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste great. Just be sure to cool the stir-fry before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. I recommend freezing in single portions so you can thaw and reheat just what you need. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Stir frequently until warmed through. Using the microwave works too, but I prefer the skillet method—it keeps the veggies from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s easy, versatile, and downright delicious. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a simple mix of ingredients can come together to create something comforting and vibrant. I can’t wait for you to try it—and I’m pretty sure once you do, it’ll become one of your favorites too. Happy cooking, friend!

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