This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is your weeknight dinner superhero quick, flavorful, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and bursting with savory-sweet Asian-inspired flavors, it’s a guilt-free comfort meal you’ll actually look forward to making. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry

This dish is the definition of healthy comfort food lean, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Fast & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.

Low-Carb & High-Protein: A great option for those watching carbs but craving bold flavor.

One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic, affordable ingredients that stretch a long way.

Customizable: Great base recipe you can tweak to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients in Healthy Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

You only need a handful of kitchen staples to create a bowl of saucy, beefy goodness:

Ground Beef: Go for lean (93/7 or 90/10) for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Cabbage: Thinly sliced green cabbage softens beautifully and soaks up all the flavor.

Garlic & Ginger: Fresh and fragrant aromatics that bring this dish to life.

Green Onions: Adds crunch and a mild oniony bite perfect as garnish and in the stir fry.

Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): For salty umami richness.

Rice Vinegar: Balances the richness with a tangy zip.

Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way in delivering that classic toasted Asian flavor.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat if you like it spicy.

Sesame Seeds (optional): A nutty finishing touch for both texture and visual appeal.

(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Cabbage
Toss in the sliced cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until it softens and starts to brown slightly.

Step 4: Add the Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Cook another 2–3 minutes, allowing everything to soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Finish & Garnish
Turn off the heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: ~280
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry is filling enough to stand on its own, but also plays well with:

– Steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a more complete meal
– Wrapped in lettuce cups for a crunchy low-carb option
– Over noodles like rice noodles, soba, or even zucchini noodles
– Topped with a fried or poached egg for extra richness

Additional Tips

– Shred the cabbage thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.
– Double the batch if meal prepping it reheats beautifully.
– Add other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.
– Adjust spice level by increasing or skipping the red pepper flakes.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just be sure to add a little more oil if needed since they’re leaner meats.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet.

4. Can I freeze this stir fry?
Yes! Freeze in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

5. What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal, but Napa or savoy cabbage would also work well.

6. Can I add more veggies?
Of course! Try shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

7. What gives it the Asian flavor?
The combo of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a rich umami base with subtle sweetness and tang.

8. Is this keto-friendly?
Yes this stir fry is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto diets when served alone or with cauliflower rice.

9. Can I meal prep this dish?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and makes a fantastic make-ahead lunch.

10. What’s the best oil for stir frying?
Use avocado oil or olive oil for cooking, and add sesame oil at the end for maximum flavor.

Conclusion

Healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is your go-to for a quick weeknight meal or smart meal prep option. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you get bold Asian flavor, lean protein, and lots of wholesome veggies all in a deliciously simple stir fry. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your healthy dinner rotation!

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