Name: Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 220g / 8oz ground beef; 3 cups red or green cabbage; 1 red pepper, chopped thinly; 1 carrot, cut in strips; 2 scallions, thinly chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ tbsp tamari sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro; 2 tsp crushed red pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, satisfying, and quick weeknight meal that won’t weigh you down, this Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe delivers every single time. Think sweet and tender veggies mingling with savory ground beef, all tossed in a luscious tamari sauce. It’s just as perfect for a solo lunch at your desk as it is for a dinner with the family. Plus, this colorful stir-fry is endlessly adaptable, gluten-free (thanks to tamari), and loaded with flavor in every bite. If you want a flexible recipe you’ll return to over and over, the Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this stir-fry is refreshingly straightforward, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each ingredient adds something special, whether it’s crunch, a boost of color, or savory, umami depth. Here are all the essentials you’ll need to make this dish shine:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef brings hearty, meaty flavor and protein, grounding the veggies with substance.
Cabbage (red or green): Finely sliced cabbage adds nutritious bulk and beautiful color, plus it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Red Pepper: Chopped thin, it gives sweet aromatic notes and a pop of red to the pan.
Carrot: Cut into strips, carrots add mild sweetness and a subtle crunch that pairs perfectly with the beef.
Scallions: These brighten everything up with a fresh, mildly oniony bite.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses every bite with aromatic flavor—don’t hold back!
Tamari Sauce: This gluten-free sauce lends salty, umami-rich flavor; you can substitute regular soy sauce if you prefer.
Olive Oil: Just a splash is enough to sauté your beef and keep everything juicy and luscious.
Crushed Red Pepper: Adds gentle heat—use more or less, depending on your spice preference.
Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped fresh herbs brighten the whole stir-fry and tie all the flavors together at the end.

How to Make Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef and Garlic

Start by adding the ground beef to a large nonstick pan with a splash of olive oil and one minced garlic clove. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute so you get some caramelization on the bottom. Then break it up with your spatula, stirring as it browns. Continue to sauté for about 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat until the beef is mostly cooked through and nicely browned.

Step 2: Chop and Add Vegetables

While the beef is sizzling, make good use of your time by slicing the cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, scallions, and your fresh herbs. Once the beef is almost ready, stir in the cabbage, crushed red pepper, carrot, another minced clove of garlic, and the scallions. Give everything a big toss to mix and cover the pan for 2-3 minutes, letting the veggies steam and soften while keeping their color and vibrance.

Step 3: Add Peppers, More Garlic, and Tamari

Uncover your pan and throw in the chopped red pepper and the last clove of garlic. Pour in the tamari sauce and, if things look a touch dry, a splash more olive oil. Stir and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will already smell irresistible, and the sauce will begin to cling to all those veggie ribbons and morsels of beef.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat before you add your freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This last step locks in the garden-fresh flavor and makes the whole skillet look lively and bright. Toss everything together for a final burst of color and herbaceous goodness.

Step 5: Time to Serve

Serve immediately while hot and fragrant! Dish up generous spoonfuls into bowls and get ready to dig in to your Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

The beauty of this stir-fry is how limitless the garnishing options are. Try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, extra fresh herbs for brightness, or a squeeze of lime if you crave a hit of acidity. Even a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews adds fun crunch and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Most nights, this Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is a satisfying one-pan meal, but you can definitely round it out. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or toss it with your favorite cooked noodles to turn it into a hearty feast. Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side are also excellent allies.

Creative Ways to Present

Have fun with your presentation! Pile the stir-fry into lettuce cups for a finger-friendly party appetizer, stuff it in warm pita bread for an unconventional wrap, or top with a soft-fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast. It’s so versatile, you can reinvent leftovers in endless ways.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors continue to mingle and deepen for even tastier leftovers. Perfect for easy lunches!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, portion the stir-fry into freezer-safe bags or containers. Store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge or gently defrost in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture—just add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, in short intervals, stirring between bursts to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Both ground turkey and ground chicken are leaner options and absorb the savory tamari flavors beautifully. Just make sure to check for doneness and consider adding a touch more olive oil since poultry can be drier than beef.

Is this stir-fry gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use tamari sauce, which is naturally gluten-free, this Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. If you substitute with regular soy sauce, double-check your brand since not all are gluten-free.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, bean sprouts, or any other veggie favorites you have on hand. This recipe is a great way to use up whatever’s lingering in your crisper while keeping things interesting.

How spicy is the stir-fry?

The heat level depends on how much crushed red pepper you use. The suggested amount gives gentle warmth, but you can scale back (or amp up) to suit your tastebuds. Leave it out entirely for a milder dish, especially for kids.

What’s the best way to cut cabbage for stir-fry?

For this Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe, slice the cabbage as thinly as possible for fast, even cooking and the best texture. You can use a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline for extra-fine shreds—just be careful with your fingers!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe! It’s an absolute favorite in my kitchen, balancing healthiness with pure comfort. Don’t wait—give it a try the next time you want something fast, fresh, and full of flavor. Happy cooking!

Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

This Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Packed with vegetables and lean protein, this stir-fry is a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to a nonstick pan with one garlic clove and some oil. Saute for 5-6 minutes.
Prepare Vegetables: Chop cabbage, carrots, peppers, parsley, and scallions. Add to the pan with crushed pepper and garlic. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Finish the Stir-Fry: Stir in chopped pepper, garlic, and tamari sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in parsley or cilantro.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize this stir-fry with your favorite vegetables or add a protein of your choice.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian