If you’re on the hunt for a quick, wholesome meal that bursts with flavor and comforts you like a warm hug, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. It’s a vibrant medley of tender ground beef mingling with crisp, slightly sweet cabbage, all brought together by an aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and tamari. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or craving a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this dish checks all the boxes with its perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s the juicy grass-fed beef delivering rich protein, the cabbage adding crunch and freshness, or the ginger and garlic infusing layers of warmth and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious stir fry:
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef: Choose quality beef for a richer, more complex flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
- ½ medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of bold, savory aroma that wakes up the dish.
- 3 tablespoons freshly minced ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty sharpness that brightens the whole stir fry.
- 1 head green cabbage (about 10–12 cups shredded): The star vegetable providing crunch, color, and subtle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons tamari or gluten-free soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami note and keeps the dish gluten-free.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers just the right gentle kick of heat to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finishing touch that adds depth and nuttiness.
- Optional: chopped green onion for garnish: Adds freshness and a splash of vibrant green color.
- 1 cup brown rice: The wholesome grain base that makes this meal hearty and satisfying.
- 2 cups water: Needed to perfectly cook the brown rice.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the grass-fed ground beef and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt to bring out its natural flavors. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. If you’re using extra-lean beef, adding a splash of oil can help prevent sticking and keep things juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Once the beef is perfectly browned, push it to one side of the pan or briefly remove it to a bowl if you prefer. Now, toss the diced onion into the hot skillet and cook alongside the beef for about 5 minutes. During this time, the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness, which beautifully complements the savory meat.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Next up are the garlic and freshly minced ginger—the heart and soul of this stir fry’s flavor profile. Stir them into the skillet and cook for just 30 seconds. This short cooking time is enough to wake up their fragrance without burning, creating a mouthwatering aromatic base that ties all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Toss in the Cabbage and Seasonings
Here’s where the magic really happens: add the shredded green cabbage, tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Toss everything together and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes. The cabbage will slowly wilt and soak up all those delicious, savory juices while providing a lovely tender-crisp texture that makes this stir fry so satisfying.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnish
Once the cabbage has softened to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the entire dish with a teaspoon of fragrant sesame oil, which lends a subtle nuttiness and depth to the stir fry’s flavor. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh crunch.
Step 6: Cook the Brown Rice
While the stir fry cooks, combine 1 cup of brown rice with 2 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 40 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. After turning off the heat, leave the pot covered for an extra 10 minutes to steam the rice, then fluff with a fork. Serve your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe hot over this wholesome brown rice for a complete, nourishing meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish is delicious as is, adding a few garnishes can elevate the experience. Chopped green onions provide a fresh burst of flavor and pretty contrast, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and subtly nutty notes. If you enjoy a bit more heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a dash of Sriracha can take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
Your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe shines as a main course, but pairing it with a side of steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad can enhance your meal with textural variety and freshness. A light miso soup is another lovely, comforting accompaniment that balances your dinner beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this stir fry in lettuce cups or wrap it inside warm tortillas for a fusion-style taco. You can also spoon it over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb or protein-packed alternative. Adding a fried egg on top turns this into an indulgent, extra-satisfying dish perfect for any mealtime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Keep the brown rice separate for best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth as you reheat prevents everything from drying out and helps revive that fresh-cooked texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While grass-fed ground beef lends wonderful flavor, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
Is tamari necessary, or can I use regular soy sauce?
Tamari is preferred here, especially if you are looking for a gluten-free option, but regular soy sauce definitely works too. Just be mindful of the salt content, as some soy sauces can be saltier.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce during cooking. You can also top with thinly sliced fresh chili peppers when serving for an extra kick.
What’s the best way to shred the cabbage?
The easiest method is to cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and then thinly slice it with a sharp knife. You can also use a food processor fitted with a shredding blade to speed things up.
Can this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe be made keto-friendly?
Yes! Simply skip the brown rice and serve the stir fry as is, or over cauliflower rice. The combination of beef and cabbage makes it naturally low in carbs and high in flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a true gem in the kitchen: quick, nourishing, and full of irresistible flavors. It’s one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is delicious, perfect for refining your weeknight routine or impressing friends and family with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Print
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining savory grass-fed beef with tender cabbage and aromatic spices. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it features simple ingredients cooked in a skillet or wok and served over fluffy brown rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef (like Moink)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons freshly minced ginger
- 1 head green cabbage (about 10–12 cups shredded)
- 2 tablespoons tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onion for garnish
For the Rice
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Break apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Add a little oil if using extra lean beef to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Onion: Push the beef to one side of the pan or remove it briefly. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly minced ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavors.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage, tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Toss everything together and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot either alone or over cooked brown rice.
- Prepare the Brown Rice: In a pot, combine 1 cup brown rice with 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 40 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
- Add a bit of oil when cooking extra-lean beef to prevent sticking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or water instead of beef drippings.
- Leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
