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One-Pan Beef and Cabbage

A quick and wholesome dinner, this savory beef and cabbage skillet brings together rich flavor and balanced nutrition in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pan stir fry pairs tender ground beef with crisp vegetables and a bold, tangy sauce for a satisfying, low-effort meal.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Keyword: One-Pan Beef And Cabbage
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds optional
  • 2 tsp light brown sugar honey, or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup 60 ml tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper or more to taste
  • 2 tbsp 30 ml water

For the Stir Fry:

  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 small green cabbage finely shredded (approximately 3 cups)
  • 2 medium carrots sliced into thin matchsticks
  • 4 scallions thinly chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive avocado, or any neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced ginger peeled
  • 1/2 lb 225 g ground beef

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or chosen alternative), ground black pepper, and sesame seeds if using. Stir vigorously to combine and set aside.
  • Warm a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil of choice, then immediately add the chopped garlic, minced ginger, and ground beef. Cook the mixture while stirring and breaking apart the meat until it is fully browned, approximately 5–7 minutes.
  • Once the beef is cooked through, incorporate the shredded cabbage and carrot matchsticks into the pan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but retain a slight crunch.
  • Pour the pre-mixed sauce into the skillet, tossing the ingredients well to evenly coat everything. Add the sliced scallions and raise the heat slightly. Continue cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and is absorbed into the mixture.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy alone, or serve over steamed rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb alternative.