A quick, hearty, and budget-friendly one-pan meal
If you’re searching for a simple, flavorful dinner that comes together fast, this Savory Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry is a perfect choice. Packed with tender ground beef, sautéed cabbage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich savory sauce, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.
It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥘 One-pan meal
- ⏱ Ready in under 30 minutes
- 💰 Budget-friendly ingredients
- 🥬 Packed with vegetables
- 🍽 Perfect for meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables
Add chopped cabbage and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Season & Finish
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let flavors blend.
5. Serve
Serve hot on its own, over steamed rice, or alongside noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the cabbage — it should stay slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Swap the protein with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Add extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it low-carb by serving as-is or over cauliflower rice.
- Add fresh ginger for extra depth of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, satisfying flavors. It’s wholesome, flexible, and easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen.