If you’re on the lookout for a quick, nutritious meal bursting with flavor, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful blend of savory, spicy, and subtly sweet elements that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a complete meal that excites your palate.
- Customizable: You can tweak it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
- Family-Approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages, even the picky eaters will dig in happily!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the overall texture and taste, making this meal both comforting and invigorating.
- Grass-fed ground beef: Rich in flavor and nutrients, this is the hearty foundation of our stir fry.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and spice, elevating the flavor profile.
- Green cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the savory beef.
- Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce: Offers the perfect balance of saltiness and umami to tie in all the elements.
- Sesame oil: A fragrant finishing touch that enhances the stir fry’s aromatic appeal.
Variations
One of the delightful aspects of this dish is how adaptable it is. Let your creativity soar and customize it based on what’s available in your pantry or your specific dietary preferences.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for additional crunch and color.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh chilies for a fiery kick.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pan, start by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat. Season lightly with salt, ensuring it’s evenly cooked and deliciously fragrant.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is almost cooked, toss in the diced onions and let them sauté for about five minutes until they’re wonderfully soft and translucent.
Step 3: Introduce the Cabbage
Add the fresh garlic, ginger, and shredded cabbage. Pour in the tamari or soy sauce, sprinkling with red pepper flakes, and stir-fry everything until the cabbage is soft yet slightly crisp.
Step 4: Final Touches
Remove the mixture from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve with prepared brown rice for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Meat Selection: Opt for grass-fed beef for its superior flavor and health benefits.
- Cut Consistency: Ensure the cabbage is evenly shredded for uniform cooking.
- Quick Prep: Have all ingredients prepped and ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.
- Boosting Flavor: Adding ginger at the end of cooking maintains its fresh, zesty flavor.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for a fresh, colorful garnish that provides additional texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice or quinoa, offering a wholesome accompaniment that complements its savoriness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this stir fry on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. It makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, retaining their delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of soy sauce to refresh the flavors without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and adjust seasoning as needed to keep it flavorful.
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What kind of cabbage is best for this recipe?
Green cabbage is perfect due to its mild flavor and crisp texture, but you can also experiment with napa cabbage for a softer bite.
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Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
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Can I add other spices?
Feel free to add your favorite spices such as cumin or coriander for an exciting twist to the traditional flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a heartwarming, easy-to-make dish that’s both versatile and delicious. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with variations, and make it your own. I’m confident it’s going to be a new favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that combines lean beef, crisp cabbage, and flavorful aromatics. Perfect for busy weeknights, it is served best over fluffy brown rice and is customizable with additional vegetables or garnishes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef such as Moink
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons freshly minced ginger
- 1 head green cabbage (about 10–12 cups shredded)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Garnish
- Green onion, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 2 cups water
For serving: Brown Rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Add 1 cup of uncooked brown rice and 2 cups of water to a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 40 minutes until tender. Remove from heat without lifting the lid and let steam for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. If using extra lean beef, you may need to add a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Onions: Once the beef is mostly browned, add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Add the shredded cabbage, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot over the cooked brown rice.
Notes
- Add extras like mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, or bean sprouts for more variety.
- Use pre-cut coleslaw mix for a quicker version, skipping the chopping of cabbage.
- Prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- The nutritional information includes the rice; data may vary by brands and measurements.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of dish with rice
- Calories: 544 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
