This Ground Beef and Cabbage Dinner Is Ready In 20 Minutes (2024)

Ingredients For Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe

• Cabbage -youcan use chopped or shredded cabbage. Slice it similar to coleslaw but into thicker strips. A bag of coleslaw mix is also a convenient option.
• Beef - I typically opt for lean ground beef, which is a healthier choice with less fat to drain.
• Shredded Carrots - in our house, cabbage and carrots go hand in hand. Carrots add a subtle sweetness to ground beef stir fry. You can also use grated sweet potato or bell peppers cut into strips.
• Tomato paste - I recommend using high-quality tomato pastein a tube (from an Italian brand).

Can I Substitute the Beef?

While I'm using ground beef for this stir-fry recipe, feel free to substitute other ground meat proteins!

🍗 Groundchicken or turkey work just as well, or you can try adding bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs or breasts.

That's the great thing about stir-fry - it's a flexible "use what you have" kind of meal.

🌱 Vegan/vegetarian option: substitute beef with plant-based protein.

Finely chopped tofu or tempeh crumbles (seriously tasty!) are great alternatives.

1. Start with beef. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Drain and set aside.

3. Saute Onion. In the same skillet saute onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add Carrots. Follow with grated carrot and cook until the carrot becomes soft.

5. Add tomato sauce/paste and veggie stock (or a bouillon cube mixed in with water) and stir well.
6. Simmer. Let the carrots and onions simmer for 2-3 minutes.

7. Add cabbage, add salt, pepper, and paprika.

8. Combine ingredients, stir well, cover, and simmer until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.

9. Return the cooked beef, stir, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and serve while hot.
10. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt!

What Else Can I Add?

Wondering what else can you add to this ground beef with cabbage stir fry recipe?

To make it a more fulfilling meal consider one of the following recipe variations:

• Add rice: Cook ½ cups of rice. Add it to the beef mixture and stir for a couple of minutes until combined.
• Low carb: Use grated broccoli or cauliflower rice as a low-carb option.
• Sauces: Instead of tomato sauce, use taco, salsa, or BBQ sauce.
• Asian flavors: Swap tomato sauce for soy sauce or coconut aminos.
• Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or Tabasco.
• Add more veggies: Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, cremini mushrooms, peas, or sprouted mung beans.
• Garlic: Mince 1-2 garlic cloves and add them right after the onions.

What To Serve With Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe

This recipe is really satisfying on its own.

Cabbage has a way of filling you up, almost like a starch replacement.

But if you want to make it even heartier, you can serve it over white rice or Asian noodles like ramen, udon, or soba.

Here are some delicious side dish options:

• With a Salad:Mediterranean cucumber salad, or Tomato basil mozzarella salad, and readers' favorite Marinated cucumber, tomato and onion salad
• With a Soup: Pumpkin soup
• With Sides: Mashed potatoes, or whipped Sweet potatoes, sauteed Green beans, air fryer Cauliflower, dinner rolls, or Brussels sprouts

How To Chop Cabbage For Frying?

Chopping cabbage for frying is quite simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Start by removing any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged.
2. Cut the cabbage in half through the core.
3. Place the cut side of the cabbage half down on the cutting board to keep it stable.
4. With a sharp knife, slice the cabbage thinly from top to bottom, creating long, thin strips.
5. Rotate the cabbage half as needed to continue slicing until you've chopped the entire half.
6. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can crosscut the long strips into smaller chunks.
7. Repeat the process with the other half of the cabbage if needed.

What To Do With Leftover Cabbage?

Not sure what to do with the leftover half of the cabbage?

How about trying air-fried cabbage or Cabbage steaks for a crispy and tasty side dish?

Or, you could make fermented cabbage (real sauerkraut) to add a tangy twist to your meals.

Another tasty option is to make recipes like Cabbage casserole which pairs perfectly with Pork tenderloin or Roasted turkey.

Storing Leftovers

Stir fries and skillets, like this one, hold up nicely when stored.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can also freeze this recipe for later. It'll keep for about two to three months in the freezer.

Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet when you're ready to enjoy it again.

How To Meal Prep

This easy anddelicious dish is fast and easy to make!

To make it ahead of time, follow these simple steps:

• Allow the stir-fry to cool down completely.
• Take your meal prep containers and portion out the mixture into each one. You can add some cooked rice as well. Seal them tightly with the lid.
• When you're ready for a quick lunch, grab one container and microwave it for 2 minutes before serving.

Ground Beef Recipes

I have a variety of beef recipes for you to try, start with these readers' favorites:

• Hamburger Casserole
• Stovetop Burgers
• Pork and Beef Meatballs
• Ground Beef Tacos
• Tex-Mex Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
• Cabbage Roll Casserole

Cabbage Recipes

Check out this extensive roundup collection of the best cabbage recipes.

Ground Beef and Cabbage (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

Julia

Enjoy an easy and quick ground beef and cabbage stir fry made in a skillet with carrots and a lot of cabbage. Perfect for a quick and easy meal! Ready in 20 minutes!

ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES

NUTRITION

Calories: 234kcalCarbohydrates: 3.3gProtein: 28.4gFat: 11.2gSaturated Fat: 3.2gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 200mgSugar: 1.9gCalcium: 19mgIron: 17mg

Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

What is a commonly made dish with ground beef and cabbage?

One popular dish made with ground beef and cabbage is a delicious stir fry cooked in a skillet with onions and other vegetables.

How can I make this recipe with a twist?

For a variation, add some crushed red pepper for a little kick, or switch out the ground beef for ground turkey to make it lighter.

What other ingredients can I add to my ground beef and cabbage stir fry?

In addition to cabbage and ground beef, you can include rice, noodles, green onions, red peppers, or even cauliflower for added flavor and texture.

Can I use leftover ground beef for this recipe?

Can you cook ground beef and vegetables together?

Why does my ground beef taste weird?

Is this dish this keto?

The ground beef and cabbage recipe is a great choice for those on the keto diet without feeling like it is a diet food.

Why is my ground beef watery while cooking?

Ground beef can become watery if it has a lot of fat or if you crowd the pan while cooking. To avoid becoming too watery, choose lean ground beef and cook it in batches over medium-high heat.

How to cook ground beef really fine?

To cook ground beef really fine, break it up as it cooks. Use a potato masher or a fork to stir and mash the beef constantly in the skillet until it is browned and finely crumbled.