Name: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 pound ground beef (90/10 recommended); 1 cup diced onion (120 grams); 5 cups sliced cabbage (300 grams); 2 cups julienned red bell peppers (220 grams); 1 cup shredded carrots (85 grams); Salt and pepper, to taste; Toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, sriracha (optional); For serving: white rice or cauliflower rice; 3 tablespoons coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/2 tablespoon honey (omit for Whole30); 1 teaspoon sriracha; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce; Pinch of pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 56 reviews

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that packs a serious punch of flavor and nutrition, let me introduce you to this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe. This dish is pure comfort and convenience rolled into one vibrant skillet, where tender ground beef meets crisp cabbage and crunchy veggies, all coated in a tangy, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce. It’s a colorful, wholesome dinner that comes together in about 25 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something healthy, hearty, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate holding a sealed black package of ground sirloin beef on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there are clear glass bowls containing bright red sliced bell peppers, finely chopped white onions, and shredded orange carrots. Another clear glass bowl is filled with shredded pale green cabbage. Several small clear glass bowls contain different sauces or liquids in shades of brown, amber, and dark soy color, arranged neatly around the ingredients. A white speckled plate holds three peeled garlic cloves, a small piece of ginger, and a whole green lime. The composition is clean and organized, with all items placed on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each one contributes something essential—whether it’s the rich protein from ground beef, the vibrant crunch of bell peppers and carrots, or the zing of ginger and garlic that boosts flavor complexity. These ingredients harmonize perfectly to create a dish that’s balanced, tasty, and satisfying.

Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps sauté the garlic and ginger to fragrant perfection.
Garlic: Minced cloves provide an aromatic base that wakes up the entire dish.
Ginger: Freshly grated for a warm, zesty note that complements the beef beautifully.
Ground beef (90/10): The star protein offering juicy, savory richness without too much fat.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Sliced cabbage: Brings crunch, color, and a mild earthy flavor that balances the beef.
Julienned red bell peppers: For a pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
Shredded carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of natural crispness.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors.
Coconut aminos: An alternative to soy sauce, providing umami and a touch of saltiness, gluten-free.
Lime juice: Brings fresh acidity to brighten the whole dish.
Honey: Adds a gentle, natural sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements (omit for Whole30).
Sriracha: Kicks in a bit of heat for a lively flavor lift.
Sesame oil: Just a hint for a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.
Fish sauce: Deepens the umami character, making the stir fry irresistibly savory.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

Start by whisking together coconut aminos, lime juice, honey, sriracha, sesame oil, fish sauce, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl or jar. Tasting as you go lets you adjust for just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Setting this sauce aside prepares you for the flavor-packed finish that brings the entire dish together.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds—watch closely so they don’t burn but release their fragrances beautifully. Next, add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper as you break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Then, scoop the beef onto a plate and set it aside, keeping all those flavorful juices in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pan (with all those lovely beef juices), add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the cabbage, mixing well and sautéing another 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to soften yet still holds a slight crunch. Next, toss in the julienned red bell peppers along with a bit more seasoning, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes to build layers of flavor and vibrant color. Finish off by stirring in the shredded carrots and sautéing for about 1 to 2 minutes to keep their fresh crispness.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Stir Fry

Now, return the browned ground beef along with its cooking juices to the pan. Pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce and stir everything to coat evenly. Let it all warm through for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld intimately. At this point, your Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is ready to wow taste buds with a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

The dish is served in a white speckled bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left side of the bowl, there is a layer of fluffy white rice. On the right side, there is a mix of cooked ground meat and sautéed vegetables including thinly sliced pale cabbage, bright orange carrot strips, and red bell pepper pieces. The mixture is garnished with small green onion pieces and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A lime wedge with a bright green color is placed on top of the rice near the meat and vegetable mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up the flavor and presentation, sprinkle sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro over the top. If you like a bit more heat, a drizzle of sriracha adds a fiery kick that perfectly complements the rich stir fry.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Both provide a neutral, fluffy base that soaks up the delicious sauce and balances the dish’s boldness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful twist, serve the stir fry inside lettuce cups for a fresh hand-held meal. Or pile it over a bed of quinoa or rice noodles to incorporate different textures and flavors, making the meal a bit more substantial and versatile for various dietary preferences.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the flavors remain vibrant and the veggies retain some of their crispness.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a speedy future meal.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without overcooking the vegetables. You can also microwave it, but stovetop reheating helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well in this stir fry, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat’s fat content and texture.

Is this dish suitable for a paleo or Whole30 diet?

Yes, it is! Just omit the honey to keep it Whole30 compliant, and ensure your coconut aminos and fish sauce are free from additives. The recipe naturally aligns with paleo principles too.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To adapt it, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and make sure to use a plant-based fish sauce substitute. The sauce itself can also be adjusted for flavor balance.

How spicy is the Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe?

The dish has a mild heat level from the sriracha, but you can easily customize the spice by adding more or less sriracha or topping it with chili flakes according to your preference.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos if I don’t have any?

You can substitute with gluten-free tamari or regular soy sauce if gluten isn’t an issue. Keep in mind this might alter the flavor slightly but still yields great results.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals when I need something both nourishing and delicious without fuss. It’s a beautiful bowl of wholesome ingredients, lively flavors, and satisfying textures that come together effortlessly. I highly encourage you to try it—it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your cooking repertoire, perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave a comforting, flavorful stir fry.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need