Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry – A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Let me tell you, there are few things as satisfying as a delicious stir fry on a busy weeknight. This Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry has become one of my go-to recipes, and I can’t wait to share it with you! I remember the first time I made it; I was juggling deadlines and a hungry stomach, and somehow this beautiful dish came together in under 30 minutes. The vibrant colors, the savory scents wafting through my kitchen—it was pure magic! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a load of veggies while still being filling and tasty, which gets a big thumbs-up in my book!
What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is! You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, toss in some spices if you’re feeling adventurous, or even swap out the beef for your protein of choice. So let’s dive right into it and see what we need to whip up this delectable stir fry.
What’s in Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry?
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I usually opt for lean ground beef to keep things a bit lighter but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. It adds that satisfying protein boost to the dish.
Cabbage: Shredded cabbage is not only packed with nutrients, but it also adds a lovely texture that wilts down beautifully in the stir fry. I like to use green cabbage, but if you want to switch things up, red cabbage works wonders too!
Onion: You can’t go wrong with a sliced onion. I prefer red or yellow onions for their sweetness, but white onions will do just fine. They bring a lovely aroma to the dish.
Bell Pepper: I love the pop of color from bell peppers! It adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. Use red for sweetness or green for a more earthy flavor—whatever tickles your fancy!
Garlic and Ginger: These are essential flavor boosters! The mincing and sautéing bring out their aromatic qualities that make the dish fragrant and delicious.
Soy Sauce: This savory ingredient brings umami goodness to our stir fry. I often use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from getting too salty.
Oyster Sauce: It’s optional, but if you have it on hand, it adds a depth of flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Vegetable Oil: This is the cooking base for our stir fry. Feel free to use any cooking oil you prefer—canola, grapeseed, or even sesame oil for extra aroma!
Salt and Pepper: The basics, my friends! Just a dash to season to taste.
Sesame Oil: If you love that nutty flavor, a drizzle at the end really takes this dish to the next level!
Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onion on top adds color and a fresh crunch that’s absolutely wonderful!
Is Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry Good for You?
Absolutely! This stir fry is not just quick and convenient; it’s also pretty healthy!
Cabbage: It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which is great for digestion. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins C and K. Seriously, cabbage is a superfood in disguise!
Ground Beef: It is a fantastic source of protein and iron. Just keep an eye on the fat content, and you can choose leaner cuts for a healthier option.
Eating this dish will definitely give you a balanced meal with healthy carbs, protein, and a variety of colorful veggies! Just remember not to overdo it on the sauces if you’re watching your sodium intake. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Ingredients List
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 4 cups cabbage, shredded
– 1 onion, sliced (preferably red or yellow)
– 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red or green)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any cooking oil)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for drizzling)
– Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people if you add a side of rice or noodles!
How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry?
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
3. Toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper; sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger, giving it a minute to become fragrant.
5. Stir in the shredded cabbage, mixing everything well. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage wilts down and softens.
6. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce if using; stir to coat all ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle sesame oil on top for an extra flavor punch.
8. Remove from the heat and serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Stir Fry Magic: Additional Tips and Variations
– Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms if you have them lying around—they’re all great in stir fries!
– If you want to add a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to spice things up.
– Love crispy food? You can even add some crushed peanuts on top for crunch!
– To meal prep, this stir fry freezes well, so make a big batch and save some for later.
I hope you give this Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry a try! Honestly, it’s one of those comforting dishes that’s quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to impress. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to share your thoughts or any little twists you made along the way! Happy cooking!
