I’m so excited to share this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe with you! It’s one of those meals that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect when you want something quick but satisfying after a busy day. What I love about it is how the savory beef and the sweet crunch of cabbage and bell peppers come together so beautifully – it always feels like a little taste of home with an Asian-inspired twist.

This recipe works amazingly as an easy weeknight dinner or a last-minute lunch. It’s modest in ingredients but big on flavor, and honestly, I find it hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so there’s less mess and less stress in the kitchen – something we all appreciate, right? If you’re looking for a fuss-free Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe that delivers on taste and comfort, you’re in the right place.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe bring together hearty, fresh, and zingy flavors. Choosing fresh veggies and good quality ground beef really makes a difference, and the seasonings add that delicious depth you’ll want every time.

Extra virgin olive oil: I use this for a light, clean flavor and it browns the beef nicely without overpowering it.
Lean ground beef (90/10): Lean beef keeps the stir-fry hearty but not greasy. I recommend 90/10 for the best balance of flavor and fat.
Minced ginger: A small amount really wakes up the dish with its fresh zing.
Garlic powder: Easy way to layer in garlic flavor without the chopping.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the spices.
Ground black pepper: A sprinkle for warmth and a little kick.
Brown sugar (optional): This touch of sweetness balances the salty soy sauce, but if you prefer savory, feel free to skip it.
Soy sauce: The savory backbone that ties everything together – low sodium if you want to keep it lighter.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and a hint of tangy complexity.
Green cabbage: I like using half a large head, thinly sliced for that crunchy bite that softens just right.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.
Shredded carrots: For sweetness and texture.
Green onions: Freshness and mild oniony flavor to finish it off.
Sesame seeds: To sprinkle on top – they add a lovely nutty crunch I can’t resist.

Variations

One thing I love about this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what’s in your fridge or your personal taste. I always encourage you to play around with veggies, seasonings, or even proteins to make it your own.

Swap to ground turkey or chicken: I sometimes use these for a lighter twist, and it still tastes wonderful.
Add some heat: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha if you like spicy.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce – I’ve done this a bunch of times and it works great.
Extra veggies: Snow peas, mushrooms, or snap peas make excellent additions and add variety.
Herbal boost: A handful of fresh cilantro or basil added just before serving can brighten the dish in a new way.

How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Love

Start by heating ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add in your lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart while it cooks, letting it brown evenly for about 5 minutes. The key here is to get a nice sear on the beef without overcrowding the pan. You want those little browned bits—they amp up the flavor for the whole dish.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Seasonings

Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the minced ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar if you’re using it. Let these meld together with the beef for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen fills with this amazing aroma—the perfect sign you’re on track. Keep an eye so the spices don’t burn; a gentle stir is all you need here.

Step 3: Toss in Your Veggies

Time to add the veggies—half a large head of sliced green cabbage, thinly sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry everything together for 5 to 7 minutes over medium-high heat. You want the cabbage to soften just a bit but still keep a bit of bite. Make sure you keep everything moving in the pan so it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Finish with Sauce and Simmer

In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Pour this over your beef and veggies, tossing gently to coat. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so all those flavors get cozy together. By now, you’ll have a vibrant stir-fry that’s ready to plate.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. This little garnish adds just the right nutty crunch and makes it look as good as it tastes. If you happen to have fresh herbs like cilantro, that’s a nice finishing touch too.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

The image shows ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface, featuring a large white plate with a mound of raw ground meat that is red and slightly chunky in texture. To the right, there is a halved crisp green cabbage with visible layers and texture. Nearby, a small clear glass bowl holds light golden oil. A white bowl contains thinly sliced pale green cabbage, and in front of it, a small white bowl is filled with dark soy sauce. Another small white bowl holds minced white garlic, while one more has a piece of fresh light brown ginger root. There are also white bowls containing white sesame seeds and coarse black pepper, and fresh green onions with white and green stalks rest on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top mine with toasted sesame seeds because they add a subtle crunch and depth. Sometimes I add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle some thinly sliced fresh green onions just before serving. These simple touches brighten up the look and flavor instantly.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with fluffy steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter feel. Sometimes, I throw together a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar on the side to keep things fresh. You could also serve it with some soft steamed noodles or even lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve this stir-fry in individual bowls topped with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture. You can also wrap the stir-fry in large lettuce leaves or rice paper rolls to turn it into a hand-held treat perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which honestly makes the next day’s lunch even better. Just be sure to cool it down before refrigerating to avoid soggy veggies.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry a couple of times, and it works fine if you’re looking for easy meals down the line. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind the cabbage can get a bit softer after freezing, but the taste remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some crispness to the veggies. The microwave works too if you’re in a hurry—just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, so the beef doesn’t dry out. Adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of fresh green onions after reheating helps refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the protein is cooked through and absorb the flavors well. Adding mushrooms also gives it a nice meaty texture.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos are a great gluten-free and soy-free substitute. Tamari is another option if you just want a gluten-free version. Both will keep the savory umami flavor important for this stir-fry.
How do I keep the cabbage crisp in the stir-fry?

Cook the cabbage on medium-high heat and don’t overcook it. Stir-frying it just until it’s tender but still has a little crunch is key. Keep the cooking time for the veggies to about 5 to 7 minutes and keep stirring often to avoid sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s fast, flavorful, and versatile—exactly what you want from a weekday meal. I hope when you try it, it feels as warm and satisfying to you as it does to me. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it; sharing this recipe is like sharing a little kitchen hug with you. Enjoy, and happy cooking!