Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

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I love a dinner that doesn’t demand a ton of time or complicated prep work, and that’s exactly why this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry has become a favorite in my kitchen. It checks all the right boxes for a fast weeknight meal: quick, healthy, budget-friendly, and full of bold flavors that make it feel like more than just a throw-together dish.

What makes this recipe even more special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something irresistibly savory. When I first made it, I wasn’t expecting to be so hooked by the aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling with ground beef. The cabbage softens just enough to soak in the sauce without losing its slight crunch, which adds the perfect balance to the dish.

Whether you’re trying to clean out your fridge or need to stretch a pack of ground beef, this stir fry is a go-to. I often serve it over steamed rice or tucked into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Either way, it disappears fast and leaves everyone full and satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry isn’t just quick and easy; it’s full of texture and bold flavor. The ground beef adds a juicy, savory depth while the cabbage brings a fresh crispness. It’s the perfect marriage of comfort and simplicity. Plus, it uses pantry staples and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or just when you want something satisfying without much fuss.

Ingredients

Ground Beef: The heart of this dish, ground beef brings rich flavor and satisfying protein. It cooks quickly and absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.

Cabbage: Cabbage adds bulk and a crisp-tender texture that pairs so well with the meat. It also lightens up the dish and gives it a fresh bite.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential for an authentic Chinese flavor. They add warmth, spice, and depth that set the foundation for the stir fry.

Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and umami. It’s the core of the stir fry sauce and ties all the ingredients together.

Sesame Oil: Just a touch gives the dish a nutty, toasty flavor that’s signature in many Chinese recipes.

Green Onions: They add freshness and a mild oniony bite at the end, brightening up the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives the stir fry a warm, spicy note.

How to Make Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add a little sesame oil to the empty space, then stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Cabbage

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage softens but still has some crunch.

Step 4: Season

Pour in the soy sauce and toss well to coat the beef and cabbage evenly. Add red pepper flakes if using. Let everything cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to absorb.

Step 5: Finish with Green Onions

Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Give everything a final toss and serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

This stir fry is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have ground beef, you can swap it for ground chicken, pork, or even turkey without losing any of the comfort factor. For a meatless option, crumbled tofu or plant-based ground works beautifully and still picks up all the savory flavor of the sauce.

You can also change up the veggies. Napa cabbage or bok choy make fantastic alternatives to green cabbage, while shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas can bulk up the dish with added crunch and color. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can step in for soy sauce without missing a beat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This stir fry is amazing served over a warm bed of jasmine or brown rice. For a low-carb meal, I love scooping it into large lettuce leaves or serving it over cauliflower rice. It also makes a great filling for Asian-style wraps or even rolled into rice paper for a fun, handheld dinner.

Pair it with a side of simple roasted vegetables, some scallion pancakes, or a light soup like miso or egg drop to round out the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. To reheat, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, or toss it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the mixture seems dry, a splash of water or soy sauce will refresh it instantly.

FAQs

How long does Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry last in the fridge?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep.

Can I freeze Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?

Yes, it freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Is Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry gluten-free?

As long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos, this recipe can be entirely gluten-free.

What can I serve with Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?

Rice is the classic pairing, but it also goes well with noodles, lettuce cups, or a quick soup. It’s flexible enough to work with whatever you have on hand.

Can I make Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dish. You can cook it fully and refrigerate it. It tastes even better the next day.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you love the simplicity and flavor of this stir fry, you might also enjoy my Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe for a comforting, protein-packed twist on classic pasta.

Another great one to try is this Tasty Deconstructed Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls dish, which takes similar ingredients and presents them in a cozy, hearty way.

And don’t miss the Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole — it’s like a baked cousin to this stir fry that delivers on flavor and comfort.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to pin this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry to your Pinterest boards so you can always come back to it when you need a fast, delicious dinner. Share it with your friends on Facebook or save it to your favorite meal prep list. The more it’s shared, the more people can enjoy a simple dinner that truly delivers on flavor.

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