One night, I needed to make dinner but didn’t have much in the fridge. I had some ground beef and a head of cabbage sitting on the counter. Instead of stressing about what to make, I decided to keep it simple—cook the beef, add some cabbage, and season it well.

What I didn’t expect was how good it would turn out. The beef was packed with flavor, the cabbage soaked up all the seasonings, and everything came together in one pan in less than 30 minutes. Now, this beef and cabbage stir fry is one of my favorite easy meals—quick, hearty, and budget-friendly!

Servings	Total
4	25mins

Table of Contents

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first made this dish out of necessity, but I later realized that versions of beef and cabbage stir fry are popular in many cultures. From Asian-inspired stir-fries to simple home-cooked meals, this combination is a classic for a reason. Over time, I tweaked the seasonings to make it just right for my family.

Why Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This meal is perfect when you need something fast, delicious, and filling. It’s made with simple ingredients, doesn’t take much effort, and is easy to customize. Plus, cabbage is inexpensive and stretches the meal, making it a budget-friendly option.

What Is Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Made Of?

This dish is made with just a few basic ingredients:

Ground beef

Cabbage
Onion and garlic
Soy sauce and sesame oil

Ginger and red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

What to Have with Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry is great on its own, but you can serve it with:

Rice – White, brown, or cauliflower rice.

Noodles – Serve over stir-fried ramen or rice noodles.
Egg rolls or dumplings – A great side dish.
Fried egg – Topping it with a runny egg takes it to another level.

Is Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Healthy?

Yes! This dish is packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the cabbage. You can make it even healthier by using lean ground beef, reducing the soy sauce, or serving it with cauliflower rice.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

Large skillet or wok

Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
½ head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
1 small onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–6 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the Cabbage:
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until it softens but still has some crunch.

Season the Stir Fry:
- Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.

Serve:
- Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips

Use a mix of green and purple cabbage for extra color.

Add carrots or bell peppers for more veggies.
Make it spicy by adding sriracha or more red pepper flakes.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner option.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Conclusion

Beef and cabbage stir fry is a simple, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and made with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you serve it on its own or with rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it out and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal!

MORE RECIPES