This ground beef and cabbage stir fry is a budget-friendly meal that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. You can have a delicious, cheap dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ground Beef: You can use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Cabbage: Green cabbage works best. Napa cabbage is also a good choice.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best, but ground versions can work in a pinch.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a great nutty flavor. You can skip it if you don’t have it.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6-8 cups)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Optional Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (without rice)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Slice your cabbage, onion, and carrots. Mince your garlic and grate your ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using) for the sauce.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion and shredded carrots to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pan.
4. Stir Fry the Cabbage
Continue to stir fry the cabbage for another 5-7 minutes, or until it has wilted to your desired tenderness. It will seem like a lot of cabbage at first, but it will cook down significantly.
5. Add the Sauce
Give your prepared sauce another quick whisk, then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve Your Stir Fry
Remove the skillet from the heat. You can garnish your ground beef and cabbage stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps over rice or noodles for a complete cheap dinner.
Variation Ideas:
- Add more vegetables: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets.
- Spicy kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Sweet and savory: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce.
- Nutty crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews after cooking.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover ground beef and cabbage stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. This makes for excellent cheap dinner meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and sauce ingredients a day in advance. Cook the stir fry right before serving for the best texture.
What kind of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage is most commonly used for this cheap dinner recipe, but Napa cabbage also works well and cooks a bit faster.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your other ingredients (like cooking oil) are certified gluten-free.
Can I freeze ground beef and cabbage stir fry?
While you can freeze it, the cabbage may become a bit softer and watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What can I serve with this stir fry?
Serve it over steamed rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. It’s also great on its own as a low-carb cheap dinner option.
How can I make this spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a touch of sriracha or chili garlic sauce during cooking.