Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry with Carrots

Last weekend, I was looking for something quick and comforting that I could get on the table without making a huge mess in the kitchen. I had some ground beef, cabbage, and carrots in the fridge, so I decided to turn them into a simple stir-fry with garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce.

It came together so easily, and the smell in the kitchen had everyone asking when dinner would be ready. The cabbage became tender while the carrots kept a little crunch, and the seasoned beef made the whole dish hearty and satisfying. It’s now one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I need an easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
• Packed with vegetables and protein
• Savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet
• Easy to make low-carb
• Great for meal prep

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• ½ cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha, optional
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, chili garlic sauce, and black pepper. Set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until browned and cooked through.

If there is a lot of excess fat, carefully drain some before continuing.

3. Add Garlic & Ginger

Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the beef. Stir and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

4. Add the Vegetables

Add the carrots, green cabbage, and red cabbage.

Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, tossing frequently. The cabbage should become tender while still keeping a little texture.

5. Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.

Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat everything beautifully.

6. Finish & Serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro.

Serve hot on its own or over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.

My Tips

• Slice the cabbage fairly thin so it cooks evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, especially if you’re doubling the recipe.
• Keep the vegetables slightly crisp rather than overcooking them.
• Add extra chili sauce if you enjoy a little heat.
• For even more flavor, add a splash of fresh lime juice just before serving.

Easy Variations

Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own.

Chicken Version: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.

Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas.

Spicy: Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or sliced fresh chilies.

Peanut Version: Add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter to the sauce for a richer, slightly nutty flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve this stir-fry with steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or simply enjoy it straight from the bowl. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions makes it look just as good as it tastes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until thoroughly warmed. Add a small splash of water or soy sauce if the mixture seems dry.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 360 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works very well and gives the dish a lighter flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It keeps well in the refrigerator and is excellent for meal prep.

How can I make it lower in carbohydrates?
Use a low-sugar soy sauce or coconut aminos, skip the honey, and serve it without rice.

Can I add noodles?
Yes. Toss in cooked rice noodles or your favorite stir-fry noodles at the end and add a little extra sauce.