Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Simple ground beef stir fry with cabbage, mushrooms, and a ginger-garlic twist. Great over rice.
Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:11:42 GMT
A dish of stir-fried beef and cabbage with mushrooms on top. Highlight
A dish of stir-fried beef and cabbage with mushrooms on top. | cookwithcarla.com

I've played around with countless dinner ideas in my kitchen, and this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry has turned into my weeknight savior. The mix of juicy beef with crunchy cabbage works pure wonders in just 30 minutes. My folks know they're in for a treat when that ginger and garlic scent fills the air. What began as a quick dinner fix has now become the meal everyone asks for again and again.

The Wow Factor

After many tries in my kitchen, I've figured out why folks can't get enough of this stir fry. It's all about texture balance - juicy beef, snappy cabbage, and rich mushrooms come together beautifully. My followers tell me they've ditched takeout menus since finding this recipe. Everything works together so well, it's like having restaurant food but in your own home.

Your Shopping List

Let me walk you through what makes this dish pop. Grab some quality ground beef - I like it lean for the best bite. Fresh cabbage gives you that lovely crunch, while shiitake mushrooms bring amazing flavor depth. My must-haves are fresh ginger and garlic - they're key for that real-deal taste. And don't forget the sesame oil to finish - it's the cherry on top.

Easy Cooking Method

The fun begins with a super hot wok. The moment ginger and garlic meet hot oil, my house smells amazing. I've found it's worth taking time to brown the meat well - those crispy pieces pack so much taste. Every step builds flavor on flavor for an awesome meal.

Good For You Too

This meal feeds both your hunger and your health. The lean beef gives you protein that keeps you full, while cabbage adds good fiber and vitamins. Those shiitake mushrooms taste great and pack a nutritional punch too. My kids actually get excited about eating veggies when they come like this.

Your Personal Touch

You can really play with this recipe. Sometimes I swap in ground turkey for something lighter, or I'll throw in extra veggies. The main flavors work with so many changes. My readers always send me their own spins - each one brings new things to enjoy.

A bowl of stir-fried cabbage and ground meat, garnished with green leaves, sits on a dark surface. Highlight
A bowl of stir-fried cabbage and ground meat, garnished with green leaves, sits on a dark surface. | cookwithcarla.com

Quick Weeknight Win

This stir fry has gotten me through so many busy nights. Everything cooks in just one pan, so cleanup's a breeze. The prep work's easy, and you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. It's my go-to when life gets crazy but I still want something tasty made at home.

Wallet-Friendly Meal

You don't need to spend big for big flavor. Ground beef goes a long way when mixed with cabbage, and those tasty mushrooms make everything seem fancy. It's comfort food that won't empty your wallet but still delivers on taste.

Better The Next Day

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house!), they taste even better tomorrow. The flavors get even richer overnight. Just a quick warm-up in the pan brings everything back to life. I sometimes cook extra just to have an easy lunch ready to go.

Weekly Meal Planning

This dish works wonders for meal prep. It stays fresh in the fridge and heats up perfectly. I often cook twice as much on Sundays for grab-and-go lunches all week. Throw it over rice or noodles and you've got a complete meal ready when you need it.

Play With The Sauce

The standard sauce tastes great, but don't be scared to try new things. Sometimes I add a bit of hoisin for sweetness, or some chili sauce for kick. The basic recipe handles different flavors really well. My spice-loving family members always reach for the sriracha bottle.

Veggie Add-Ins

What's great about this recipe is how well it works with extra vegetables. Bell peppers add nice sweetness, snow peas give you fresh snap, and carrots bring color and nutrients. Almost anything in your veggie drawer can find its way into this stir fry.

Family Approved

This meal has won over everyone in my household. Even the picky eaters dig in. The familiar tastes mixed with different textures keep things interesting. It works great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

A bowl of stir-fried cabbage and ground meat is presented, showcasing a mix of green cabbage and dark mushrooms in a savory sauce. Highlight
A bowl of stir-fried cabbage and ground meat is presented, showcasing a mix of green cabbage and dark mushrooms in a savory sauce. | cookwithcarla.com

Texture Secrets

Getting everything just right took some practice, but now I do it without thinking. You want browned beef, cabbage with some bite left, and mushrooms that are soft but not mushy. When it all comes together perfectly, it's just amazing.

Low-Carb Option

If you're counting carbs, try this stir fry over cauliflower rice instead. The protein and veggies will keep you satisfied without the heavy feeling. Many of my health-focused readers have made this their go-to meal.

Filling Yet Light

I love how this dish fills you up without making you feel stuffed. The mix of protein and vegetables hits the spot just right. It's comfort food that doesn't leave you needing a nap afterward.

Make It Yours

Feel free to change the seasonings to match what you like. More ginger for extra zing, less garlic if that's your thing, spicier or milder - it's all good. The recipe can handle plenty of tweaks to make it perfect for you.

Cooking Smart

For the lightest version, I pour off extra fat after cooking the beef. Using a non-stick pan means you'll need less oil too. These small tricks keep things healthy while keeping all the great flavor.

Time-Saving Tips

You can get things ready ahead of time to make cooking even faster. Cut cabbage and mushrooms earlier, mix sauces in advance, and dinner will come together in just minutes. These little shortcuts make weeknight cooking so much easier.

Kitchen Favorite

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry isn't just another dish in my rotation. It's what my family asks for most, what friends always want the recipe for, and my personal pick-me-up meal. Simple stuff, cooked with care, making something truly awesome.

A bowl of sautéed cabbage mixed with ground meat, featuring vibrant green leaves and a savory appearance. Highlight
A bowl of sautéed cabbage mixed with ground meat, featuring vibrant green leaves and a savory appearance. | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap the veggies?
Sure, throw in carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy to mix things up.
→ What if I don't have oyster sauce?
Use extra soy sauce or hoisin instead to keep the flavor great.
→ Can I make it in advance?
Uh-huh! Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—it reheats really well.
→ Which mushrooms work best?
Shiitake are awesome, but button or cremini mushrooms work perfectly too.
→ Is this low in carbs?
Yes! Just pair it with cauliflower rice if you want to keep it low-carb.

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground beef meets cabbage and mushrooms in a ginger-garlic blend that’s seriously satisfying.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Chinese

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced thin.
02 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
03 Salt and pepper for seasoning.
04 4 green onions, finely chopped.
05 2 cloves garlic, chopped small.
06 3 tablespoons soy sauce.
07 Cooked white rice for eating.
08 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil.
09 1 tablespoon oyster sauce.
10 4 cups cabbage, cut into strips.
11 1 pound of ground beef.
12 An inch of ginger, minced up.

Steps

Step 01

Warm up your oil in a big pan over medium heat.

Step 02

Toss in ginger and garlic, let them sizzle for 30 seconds.

Step 03

Break apart the beef in the pan and let it cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 04

Next, cook mushrooms for 3 minutes, add cabbage and let it wilt for another 5 minutes or so.

Step 05

Stir in your sauces, seasonings, and green onions. Pile it on top of rice to serve.

Notes

  1. Feel free to use different types of mushrooms.
  2. Skip oyster sauce if you want.
  3. Works well for prepping meals ahead.

Required Equipment

  • A large skillet or wok works best.

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Soy-based ingredients.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbs: 12 g
  • Protein: 32 g