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Switching to real food can be a shock to the food bill. This beef and cabbage stir fry though is the exception. It’s one of my go-to easy recipes since it’s fast and inexpensive to make. Even my one year-old will eat cabbage when I make it this way!
I love this beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe because it comes together quickly and easily. This is a one-pan main dish and packs a delicious punch of nutrition. It’s like Hamburger Helper’s healthy cousin.
Cabbage Stir Fry Ingredients
Our family loves the Asian flavors of this dish and the umami flavor of the coconut aminos. It tastes like regular or low-sodium soy sauce but without the soy. Served over cauliflower fried rice it’s also a great low-carb meal. We like it over white rice too.
I use onions, carrots, and cabbage as the vegetables in this. You could add or sub other ingredients too, like napa cabbage or bell peppers. And if you want a side dish instead of a main meal, leave out the beef.
There are a lot of variations to this recipe that you can try. Instead of using the Asian-inspired sauce use different spices mixed into the stir fry:
- Add cumin, chili powder, cilantro, and salsa to make a Mexican version
- Add a dozen eggs after it’s cooked and bake to make a casserole
- Add Italian seasoning for an Italian version
Get the Kids Involved
Let the kids help prepare this cabbage stir-fry by letting them cut the vegetables. Even really little ones can use a crinkle cutter to safely cut veggies. I find my kids are more likely to eat a recipe if they help prepare it. Plus it keeps them busy and happy while I cook. (This is the crinkle cutter we have)
You can take it a step further and get the kids involved with helping grow the veggies for the cabbage stir fry! Gardening is a therapy of its own and I make time every summer for one. When kids help make their own food, or better yet grow it, they’re more willing to try new recipes.
How to Make Cabbage Stir Fry
This is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make! While the ingredients list may seem a little long, it really pulls together fast. If you’re in a really big hurry you could even use a pre-made sauce or seasoning mix for the Asian version. Something like this sesame ginger vinaigrette made with avocado oil would be a tasty option.
Once you’ve chopped your veggies (or let the kids do it!), it’s just a matter of cooking them until soft. Add the cooked ground beef and simmer it all in the stir-fry sauce. I like cooking everything until it’s soft, not mushy, but some may prefer their veggies with a bit more crunch to them.
My original version of this recipe has more of an Italian flavor to it. But the Asian-flavored stir fry is just as good too!
Original Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Servings
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet (or wok)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, venison, etc.)
- 2 small onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- 1 small head cabbage (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp basil
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ cup salsa (or sour cream, optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef.
- When the beef is almost completely browned, add the sliced onions and grated carrots.
- When onions and carrots are starting to soften, mix in the cabbage and all the spices.
- Cook about 10 more minutes, stirring often until cabbage starts to soften.
- Top with salsa or sour cream if desired and enjoy.
Nutrition
Notes
- Add cumin, chili powder, and salsa to make a Mexican version
- Try the Asian version below!
Asian Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Servings
Equipment
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- ½ cup coconut aminos (or tamari)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1½ TBSP coconut sugar
- 1½ TBSP cornstarch
- 2 TBSP rice vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp sesame oil
For the stir fry:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, venison, etc.)
- 2 small onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- 1 small head green cabbage (or any kind, chopped)
For topping:
- Green onion (sliced)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- When the meat is almost completely browned, add the sliced onions.
- When the onions are starting to soften, mix in the carrots and cabbage.
- Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring often until the cabbage starts to soften.
- Stir in the sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat, and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies are no longer crunchy.
- Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds and enjoy on its own or over rice.
Nutrition
Notes
Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!
More One Pan Meals
Need a few more easy dinner options in your meal plan?
- Pakistani Kima
- Bacon Chicken Alfredo
- Grain Free One Pan Spaghetti Recipe (Over Cabbage)
- Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Sausage
- One-Pan Baked Salmon Asparagus
What’s your family’s favorite go-to weeknight meal? Share in the comments below!
Did you recently update this recipe? I thought the original recipe didn’t have a sauce and just had seasoning combos.. it was one of my faves! Sorry if I’m mistaken
It was recently updated so that the Asian flavors version is now the featured recipe and the other flavor combinations are given as different options. The previous version was more Italian themed with garlic, oregano, basil, and thyme.