Savory Light Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Mastering a delicious light ground beef cabbage stir-fry can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Crisp cabbage adds incredible texture to this quick meal.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables in a dance of flavors that keeps things interesting.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create something truly memorable.

Seasoned with just a few strategic spices, this dish comes together faster than you might expect.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction when you sit down to eat.

I promise this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Reasons to Love Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with lean protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this stir-fry delivers powerful nutritional benefits in a single skillet.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Create a complete meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that come together quickly without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes and experiment with additional vegetables or herbs to match personal taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage to create a delicious, satisfying dinner that won't break the bank while feeding multiple people.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Ground Beef: A lean protein source that adds rich flavor and substance to the stir-fry.

• Cabbage, Carrot: Cabbage provides a crunchy texture and low-calorie base for the dish. Carrots add a sweet and nutritious element with their vibrant color.
• Onion, Garlic: Onions create a savory foundation and enhance the overall depth of flavor. Garlic contributes a pungent and aromatic touch to the stir-fry.

• Olive Oil, Sesame Oil: Olive oil helps to sauté the ingredients evenly. Sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a umami-rich and salty seasoning that complements the beef and vegetables.
• Ground Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Ginger brings a warm and slightly spicy note. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Salt and black pepper enhance the overall seasoning.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor. Sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch and visual appeal.

Simple Instructions for Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling foundation for your delicious stir-fry.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Toss in diced onions and let them dance in the hot oil, softening and releasing their sweet, savory essence for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces with a spatula. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, about 5 minutes.

Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and healthy.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these vibrant seasonings and let them mingle for 1 minute, creating an explosion of taste.

Step 5: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Shredded cabbage
• Julienned carrots

Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become tender but still maintain a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Add Umami Finishing Touches

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure every morsel is coated with rich, deep flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Elevate

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

These fresh toppings will add a burst of color and texture to your dish.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate the stir-fry while it’s steaming hot and prepare to enjoy a nutritious, mouthwatering meal.

Tips for Flavorful Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent a greasy texture.
• Cut cabbage into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Customize red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding more or less based on personal taste.
• Choose crisp cabbage and fresh carrots to enhance the overall flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their crunch and preserve maximum nutrients and vibrant colors.

Tasty Swaps for Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Season with extra spices to enhance flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Hack: Substitute cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Maintain the same cooking technique and seasonings.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Version: Add gochujang paste and rice vinegar for a bold, tangy Korean-style stir-fry. Top with kimchi for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Use ground lamb instead of beef, and incorporate oregano, mint, and feta cheese. Swap soy sauce with lemon juice for a Mediterranean profile.

Pairings for Healthy Ground Beef Stir-Fry

A light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of ground beef and complements the cabbage’s earthy flavors.

Serve alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce and add a complementary texture.

Create a tangy cucumber or daikon radish pickle to balance the stir-fry’s warmth and add a bright, zesty contrast.

Choose a crisp pilsner or Japanese-style lager that cleanses the palate and echoes the dish’s Asian-inspired seasonings.

Storing Stir-Fry for Easy Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Is ground beef healthy in this stir-fry?

Ground beef provides lean protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Choose lean cuts with lower fat content to make this dish healthier.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce as a substitute for traditional soy sauce to make the entire dish gluten-free.

• What are the main nutritional benefits of this stir-fry?

Cabbage offers low-calorie fiber and vitamins, ground beef provides protein, and carrots add beta-carotene and antioxidants, creating a nutrient-dense meal.

Light Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade Korean-inspired Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers bold Asian flavors in minutes. Crisp vegetables and seasoned ground beef create a quick, satisfying meal that connects family around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet or wok to medium-high temperature, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
2. Toss diced onions into the hot pan, sautéing until they transform into translucent, soft morsels.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, crumbling and browning the meat thoroughly while eliminating any surplus grease.
4. Infuse the meat with aromatic layers – mince garlic, sprinkle ground ginger, scatter red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper. Allow flavors to meld for one minute.
5. Introduce shredded cabbage and julienned carrots, creating a vibrant vegetable medley. Continuously toss and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables reach a crisp-tender consistency.
6. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil across the skillet, ensuring every ingredient gets lavishly coated with the savory liquid.
7. Immediately transfer the stir-fry to a serving platter, adorning the dish with freshly chopped green onions and a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds.
8. Serve piping hot, ready to be devoured immediately.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners.
• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for lower-fat or vegetarian options.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and support heart-healthy eating.
• For extra nutrition, add additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during stir-frying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg