Looking for a fast, tasty dinner that won’t break the bank? This Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the answer. It’s a one-pan wonder packed with savory flavor, simple ingredients, and loaded with veggies perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or stretching your grocery budget. Whether you’re low-carb or just craving a flavorful skillet meal, this Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers big results with minimal effort.

Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Easy Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry (Budget-Friendly + Quick!)

Author: Emily

Ingredients

Scale

STIR FRY SAUCE

2 Tbsp soy sauce ($0.18)
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil* ($0.33)
1 Tbsp sriracha** ( $0.05)
1/2 Tbsp brown sugar ( $0.02)

STIR FRY

1/2 head green cabbage ($1.78)
2 carrots ($0.22)
3 green onions ($0.17)
1/2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil ($0.02)
1/2 lb. lean ground beef*** ($3.90)
2 cloves garlic ($0.16)
1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger ( $0.13)
Pinch of salt and pepper ($0.05)

GARNISHES (optional)

1 Tbsp sesame seeds ($0.08)
1 Tbsp sriracha ($0.05)

Instructions

- Prepare the stir fry sauce first. In a small bowl stir together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar. Set the sauce aside.

Shred the vegetables so they are ready to go when you need them. Cut one small cabbage in half, remove the core, and then finely shred the leaves of one half the cabbage (4-6 cups once shredded, save the other half for another recipe). Peel two carrots, then use a cheese grater to shred them (1 cup shredded). Slice three green onions. Mince two cloves of garlic. Peel a knob of ginger using either a vegetable peeler or by scraping with the side of a spoon, then grate it using a small-holed cheese grater.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the cooking oil, ground beef, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the beef until browned (about five minutes).
Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet and continue to stir and cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted (or fully wilted, if you prefer). Stir in the prepared sauce and the green onions. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha, then serve.

Why You’ll Love This Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick & easy: Ready in just 25 minutes
Low-carb friendly: Great for keto or just cutting back on grains
Budget smart: Uses affordable pantry staples
Versatile: Add rice, noodles, or keep it simple as-is
This Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is one of those no-fuss, clean-out-the-fridge meals that’s endlessly customizable. Plus, the sweet and savory stir-fry sauce ties everything together beautifully, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ground beef – Lean or regular, both work. Turkey or pork also make great swaps in this Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry.
Green cabbage – Crunchy and mild, it cooks down nicely and absorbs all the flavor.
Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and color to balance the beef.
Garlic & ginger – Classic stir-fry flavor essentials.
Soy sauce – Adds that deep, salty umami base.
Toasted sesame oil – Brings a nutty finish to your Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry.
Brown sugar – Balances out the savory elements perfectly.
Red pepper flakes – Add a little heat if you like it spicy.
Green onions – For garnish and fresh flavor at the end.
Cooked rice – Optional for serving, but a great base for this stir-fry.

Easy Stir-Fry Sauce for Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Here’s what gives this dish its bold flavor:

2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Mix these together in a small bowl before you start cooking your Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry so you’re ready to go when the skillet gets hot.

How to Make Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cook the beef: In a large skillet or wok, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add garlic & ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Toss in veggies: Add shredded cabbage and grated carrot. Cook while stirring often, just until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still has some crunch.
Stir in the sauce: Pour your pre-mixed stir-fry sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish & serve: Top your Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve on its own or over hot rice.

Tips & Variations for the Best Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Add more veg: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas make great additions.
Make it spicy: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes for a kick.
Low-carb tip: Skip the rice and enjoy this Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry as a bowl-style meal.
Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for planning ahead.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the kind of easy, no-stress dinner that’ll quickly become a weekly favorite. It’s fast, flavorful, and delivers restaurant-style taste using just a handful of everyday ingredients. Whether you’re watching carbs, saving money, or just craving a satisfying skillet meal, this Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry checks every box.