Savory Beef Cabbage Stir is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal that has transformed my busy weeknights. This recipe combines ground beef and crunchy cabbage, resulting in a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for those evenings when time is limited, this dish is ready in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef Cabbage Stir
This Savory Beef Cabbage Stir is not just a meal; it’s a solution for busy families! Here are several reasons to love it:
- Quick preparation time makes it ideal for weeknights.
- Nutritious ingredients ensure a healthy dinner option.
- One-pan cooking simplifies cleanup.
- Versatile: you can easily customize it with other veggies.
- Flavorful sauces enhance the dish’s appeal.
- Low-carb option for those watching their intake.
This dish exemplifies why you should choose a Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry for your next meal. With its Asian Cuisine, it also fits well into a Gluten Free Diet.
Ingredients for Savory Beef Cabbage Stir
Gather these items:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or avocado oil)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Savory Beef Cabbage Stir Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prep your ingredients: shred the cabbage, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Push beef to one side of the pan. Add remaining tablespoon of oil, then add garlic and ginger. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid burning.
- Step 4: Add shredded cabbage to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage softens but retains some crunch, about 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if the pan looks dry to help steam the cabbage.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and cabbage mixture. Toss to coat evenly and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Step 6: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and scatter sliced green onions on top. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Savory Beef Cabbage Stir
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and color.
- For a healthy twist, consider using leaner ground beef.
Best Ways to Serve Savory Beef Cabbage Stir
Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Serve over steamed rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with quinoa for a nutritious option.
- Enjoy it as a standalone dish for a low-carb beef cabbage stir recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Savory Beef Cabbage Stir
To store, let the stir-fry cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or sauté in a skillet for a few minutes. This is a perfect quick beef and cabbage meal for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Beef Cabbage Stir
What’s the secret to perfect Savory Beef Cabbage Stir?
The secret lies in cooking the cabbage just until tender while keeping it crunchy. This ensures you enjoy the full texture and flavor of the delicious beef cabbage stir-fry.
Can I make Savory Beef Cabbage Stir ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook when ready for a fresh meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Savory Beef Cabbage Stir?
To avoid soggy cabbage, do not overcook it. Stir-frying on high heat helps maintain its crunch, making it a satisfying cabbage and beef skillet meal.
Variations of Savory Beef Cabbage Stir You Can Try
Explore these variations to keep your meals exciting:
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add bell peppers and carrots for more color and nutrition.
- Try different sauces like teriyaki for a unique twist.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with tofu and adjust seasonings accordingly.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Chicken Noodle Egg Drop Soup for a comforting meal.
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, visit Healthline.
To learn more about cooking techniques, you can explore Creamy Chicken Enchiladas for a delicious twist on traditional recipes.
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Savory Beef Cabbage Stir: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan stir fry featuring ground beef and crunchy cabbage, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or avocado oil)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: shred the cabbage, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Push beef to one side of the pan. Add remaining tablespoon of oil, then add garlic and ginger. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid burning.
- Add shredded cabbage to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage softens but retains some crunch, about 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if pan looks dry to help steam the cabbage.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and cabbage mixture. Toss to coat evenly and cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and scatter sliced green onions on top. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, optionally over steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Savory Beef Cabbage Stir Fry, Ground Beef Stir Fry, Quick Dinner Recipe