Description
How to make a simple one-pan beef and cabbage stir-fry with tender beef and crisp cabbage that’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Base & Main Components:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, shredded or thinly sliced
- Flavor Builders & Sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- Finishing Touches & Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Veggies: Begin your Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe by prepping all vegetables. Chop the onion, mince garlic, grate fresh ginger, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the cabbage. This initial prep makes cooking a breeze.
- Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add Cabbage & Sauce: Now, add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot to the pan. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients for your Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe.
- Simmer Dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Finish Flavors: Uncover the pan and increase heat slightly to reduce any remaining liquid, if desired. Stir in the toasted sesame oil, allowing its nutty aroma to infuse throughout the Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe for a rich finish.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve your delicious Simple One-Pan Beef Cabbage Recipe immediately for a satisfying, quick meal.
Notes
Cook cabbage until just tender-crisp to prevent mushiness; avoid overcrowding the pan for best results.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently to maintain cabbage texture.
Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped for beef. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Serve hot from the pan, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or jasmine rice.
Prep all vegetables a day ahead and store separately in the fridge to streamline cooking on busy nights.
**Allergy Information:** Soy, Gluten, Sesame
