Easy One-Pan Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Recipe Description
This quick, 25-minute Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a nutrient-packed, budget-friendly one-pan meal that combines savory browned ground beef with tender-crisp green cabbage, sweet matchstick carrots, and fresh green onions. Tossed in a glossy, savory-sweet Asian-inspired glaze, this low-carb and high-protein dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekly meal prep.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 to 5 cups)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 3 green onions (scallions), chopped (separate green and white parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, and sriracha until well combined; set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon until fully browned.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and white parts of the green onions directly into the skillet with the beef. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften and wilt to your desired texture.
- Combine and Glaze: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, stir in the remaining green onion tops, and serve hot. Enjoy on its own or over a bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
- Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork make fantastic, lean alternatives that absorb the savory stir-fry sauce just as well.
- Is this recipe keto and low-carb friendly?
- Yes, this dish is naturally very low in carbohydrates, especially if you swap the brown sugar for a zero-calorie sweetener and serve it over cauliflower rice instead of standard grains.
- How should I store leftovers for meal prep?
- Store the cooled stir-fry in airtight meal prep containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes before serving.