If you’re craving a wholesome, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful fusion of savory ground beef mingling with tender, slightly sweet cabbage and aromatic garlic and ginger, all brought to life with tamari and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just whipping something up for yourself, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe shine. Each element plays a part, from the hearty ground beef to the crunch and subtle sweetness of cabbage, perfectly balanced by the punchy aromatics.
- Grass-fed ground beef (1 pound): Offers rich, savory depth and the perfect protein base for the dish.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the ingredients.
- Onion (½ medium, diced): Adds a sweet, slightly sharp backbone when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant, savory kick that brightens the dish.
- Fresh ginger (3 tablespoons, minced): Brings warmth and a subtle zest that complements the beef and cabbage beautifully.
- Green cabbage (1 head, shredded): Delivers crunch, color, and a mild sweetness when cooked down.
- Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Imparts a salty umami boost with a gluten-free option.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Gives a nutty finish and aroma, elevating every bite.
- Chopped green onion (optional): Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish for visual appeal and extra flavor.
- Brown rice (1 cup): Serves as a wholesome, chewy base that rounds out the meal.
- Water (2 cups): Essential for perfectly cooking the brown rice to fluffy perfection.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Season it with salt and break it apart using a spatula as it cooks. Browning the beef well builds that delicious, hearty flavor foundation. If your beef is ultra-lean, a small splash of oil helps prevent sticking while ensuring it stays juicy. Cook until it’s no longer pink and develops a nice crust, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Once the beef is browned, push it to one side of the pan or temporarily remove it to sauté the diced onions. Cooking onions alongside the beef for 5 minutes softens them until they’re translucent and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory meat.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Next comes the fragrant magic — gently stir in minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cooking them for just 30 seconds releases their vibrant aroma without letting them burn, enhancing every bite with bright, warm notes.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Time to add the star vegetable: shredded green cabbage. Pour in tamari and sprinkle with red pepper flakes to bring saltiness and a gentle kick. Toss everything together and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and wilts evenly, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is where the flavors meld beautifully and the cabbage takes on a tender, slightly sweet profile.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle with toasted sesame oil. This finishing touch adds a rich, nutty aroma that makes the dish sing. If you like, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh zing. Serve this stir fry piping hot by itself or spooned generously over fluffy brown rice for a complete, nourishing meal.
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Rice
While you’re cooking the stir fry, get the brown rice going. Combine 1 cup of brown rice with 2 cups of water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 40 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat but keep the lid on, letting it steam for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving to ensure light, separate grains that balance the hearty stir fry perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A little something extra on top can elevate your dish instantly. Try sprinkling fresh chopped green onions for added color and crunchy freshness. Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil also add beautiful texture and deepen the nutty notes present in the recipe.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe shines as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with side dishes like steamed jasmine rice if you prefer a lighter grain or even a crisp cucumber salad to add a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm stir fry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir fry atop a bed of noodles or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb hand-held option. You can also pack it in meal prep containers for a quick lunch that still feels special and home-cooked.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a small splash of water or broth if it seems dry to revive the textures and flavors without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work fine; just be mindful they tend to be leaner, so adding a bit of oil during cooking can prevent dryness and keep the dish flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe remains completely gluten-free and safe for those sensitive to gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a plant-based version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meatless ground product, and ensure your sauce options are vegan-friendly. The cabbage and aromatics still shine beautifully in this format.
How spicy is this dish?
With just a ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the dish has a gentle warmth but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust this amount up or down to suit your heat preference.
What’s the best type of cabbage to use?
Green cabbage is classic here for its balance of mild sweetness and crispness. You could experiment with Napa or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor twist, but green cabbage delivers that familiar and satisfying crunch best.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe enough if you’re after something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that comes together easily on busy days yet tastes like you put in a ton of love and attention. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Print
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 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, nutritious, and flavorful dish combining grass-fed ground beef with fresh cabbage and aromatic ginger and garlic. Served over brown rice, it makes a wholesome, gluten-free meal perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
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: chopped green onion for garnish
Brown Rice
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If using extra lean beef, you may add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté onions: Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan or remove it temporarily. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook it alongside the beef for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly minced ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the flavors infuse the mixture.
- Stir-fry vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage, tamari (or gluten-free soy sauce), and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is wilted and tender, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Finish and serve: Remove the stir-fry from heat and drizzle with one teaspoon of sesame oil. Sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Serve the stir-fry hot, either on its own or over the prepared brown rice.
- Prepare brown rice: In a separate pot, combine 1 cup of brown rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 40 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving alongside the stir-fry.
Notes
- Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a leaner option, drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef before proceeding.
- Brown rice can be prepared in advance to save time.
- The optional green onions add a fresh pop of flavor and color.
