Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal, this Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is about to become your new go-to! It’s packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and full of bold, savory flavors. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without the hassle. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple yet satisfying this dish is!
Why You’ll Love Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
This recipe isn’t just about tossing ingredients together—it’s about creating a meal that’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish, a side, or even as a meal prep option for the week.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients—no fancy stuff required!
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
Customizable: Swap out the protein, add extra veggies, or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Healthy & Low-Carb: Packed with lean protein and fiber, this dish is a great option for those watching their carbs.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85% or higher) works best for a healthy and flavorful dish.
Cabbage: The star of the show! It soaks up all the flavors while adding a satisfying crunch.
Garlic & Ginger: The ultimate flavor boosters that bring warmth and depth.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch.
Carrots: A pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): Gives the dish its rich, umami-packed base.
Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness and depth to the stir-fry.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance everything out.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a bit of heat—adjust to your spice level preference.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: The perfect garnish for extra flavor and crunch.
Instructions
Preheat Your Pan
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease if needed.
Add the Aromatics
- Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and diced onion.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Incorporate the Vegetables
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, tossing frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch.
Add the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and mix well to coat everything evenly.
Final Touches
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes (if using) and toss everything together.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, healthy stir-fry!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320 (approx.)
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is amazing on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
- Quinoa for an extra protein boost.
- Lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option.
- A fried egg on top for added richness.
Additional Tips
- Want it spicier? Add a drizzle of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Make it keto-friendly! Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and skip the carrots.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage! It should still have a little crunch for the best texture.
- Use different proteins! Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep.
2. Can I freeze this stir-fry?
Yes, but the cabbage may soften more upon reheating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely! It saves time and works just as well.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas would be great additions.
6. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check all ingredient labels.
7. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great and makes the dish even leaner.
8. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or skip it altogether—it will still taste great!
9. How do I make this dish more filling?
Serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a heartier meal.
10. Can I make this stir-fry in advance for meal prep?
Yes! Just portion it into airtight containers and refrigerate for easy grab-and-go meals.
Conclusion
This Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of quick, flavorful, and nutritious. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just need a fast dinner idea, this dish has got you covered. With minimal ingredients, big flavors, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. So grab your skillet and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
PrintHealthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
This Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and nutritious meal packed with protein and fiber. Made with lean ground beef, fresh cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
**For the Stir-Fry:**
– 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
– 1 small head cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
– 1 medium carrot, julienned
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
**For the Sauce:**
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar substitute for keto)
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
**For Garnish:**
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
1. **Prepare the sauce:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
2. **Cook the ground beef:**
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. **Sauté the vegetables:**
– Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining olive oil. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Add the carrot and cabbage, stirring well to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
4. **Add the sauce:**
– Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fry and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. **Garnish and serve:**
– Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot on its own or with rice/cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Notes
– Use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.
– For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
– Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
– Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
– To make it completely keto, skip the carrot and use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
