This Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal packed with veggies! Savory ground beef and crunchy cabbage mix together for a delightful dish in just one pan.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is essential for keeping this dish healthy. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh!
Red Cabbage: This adds color and crunch. If red cabbage isn’t available, green cabbage is a great substitute. It won’t be as sweet but will still work nicely.
Carrots: I used fresh carrots for their bright color and crunch. If you don’t have fresh ones, you can use frozen carrots if they’re cut similarly. Baby carrots also work; just slice them up!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds great flavor, but tamari is perfect for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos is another tasty substitute that’s soy-free and slightly sweeter.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, try using peanut oil or even olive oil, though it will change the dish’s essence a bit.
How Can I Get My Vegetables Just Right in a Stir-Fry?
One of the key challenges in stir-frying is cooking the vegetables perfectly. You want them to be tender yet still crisp! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with high heat. This is crucial for quick cooking without losing color.
- Add vegetables based on their cooking times. Onions and carrots take longer, while bell peppers and cabbage cook faster.
- Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Use a spatula to toss the ingredients around the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the vegetables.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect stir-fry crunch every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 4 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This healthy stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will add a lovely flavor to your stir-fry!
2. Cook the Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the beef apart as it cooks. Keep cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the julienned carrots and sliced red bell pepper to your skillet. Stir-fry these for another 3-4 minutes until they start to get a little tender but still have a nice crunch. It’ll look colorful and tasty!
4. Incorporate the Cabbage:
Once the other veggies are ready, add the shredded red cabbage to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, giving everything a good stir. Keep stir-frying for about 4-5 minutes until the cabbage is wilted but still retains its vibrant color. Everything should be nicely mixed and heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove your stir-fry from the heat. Sprinkle it with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds if you’re using them. This will add a lovely finishing touch! Serve hot and enjoy your healthy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives that will work well in this stir-fry. Just be aware that they may cook slightly faster than beef, so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based alternative such as lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Adjust the cooking times as needed, especially for tofu, which usually requires a bit longer to get crispy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the veggies from drying out!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This stir-fry is very versatile. You can add broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for additional flavors and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times to ensure all veggies are tender but still crunchy!
