This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of lean ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant vegetables makes for a high-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for meal prep or a last-minute dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich veggies.
- One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Diet-Friendly – Naturally gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, paleo, and keto-friendly.
- Customizable – Swap in different proteins or veggies for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Red or green cabbage (chopped)
- Red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- Scallions (thinly sliced)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Tamari sauce
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Lean ground beef
- Carrot (cut into thin strips)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and one minced garlic clove.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is browned and cooked through.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- While the beef cooks, chop the cabbage, slice the red bell pepper and scallions, cut the carrot into thin strips, and mince the remaining garlic.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the cabbage, carrot, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), another minced garlic clove, and scallions to the pan.
- Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients
- Stir in the red bell pepper, remaining garlic, and tamari sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 2 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 472 kcal per serving
Variations
- Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or snap peas for even more nutrients.
- Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of tamari for a paleo-friendly alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha for more heat.
- Crunchy Topping: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cabbage may become soggy.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes! Green, red, Napa, or Savoy cabbage all work well in this stir-fry.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs, making it a great keto-friendly meal.
Can I make this without tamari?
Yes! Substitute with soy sauce (if not gluten-free) or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to cut the cabbage?
Slice it into thin, even strips to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I add more flavor?
Try adding ginger, sesame oil, or a splash of rice vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
Can I serve this with rice?
Absolutely! Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
What’s the best oil to use for stir-frying?
Olive oil works well, but sesame oil or avocado oil add extra flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a large skillet or wok for even cooking.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
Avoid overcooking—cook the veggies just until they’re tender-crisp for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, it’s an easy go-to recipe for a satisfying dinner. Whether you’re following a low-carb, paleo, or Whole30 diet, this stir-fry is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
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Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with lean ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is low-carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and paleo. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for meal prep, easy cleanup, and a nutritious dinner the whole family will love!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Red or green cabbage, chopped
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Scallions, thinly sliced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tamari sauce (or soy sauce/coconut aminos)
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Lean ground beef
- Carrot, cut into thin strips
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the beef cooks, chop the cabbage, slice the bell pepper and scallions, and cut the carrot into thin strips.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add cabbage, carrot, crushed red pepper flakes, another minced garlic clove, and scallions to the pan.
- Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage softens slightly.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in red bell pepper, remaining garlic, and tamari sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
-
Storage & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat (2-3 minutes) or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cabbage may become soggy.
-
Cooking Tip: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain a tender-crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
