The Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet is a humble, yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings together the richness of seasoned beef with the natural sweetness of sautéed cabbage. A classic comfort food recipe, it’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor in every bite.
What makes this recipe shine is its versatility and ease. Whether you’re feeding a family on a budget, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something warm and filling, this skillet checks all the boxes. It’s low-carb, high in protein, and ready in just 30 minutes perfect for any night of the week.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 tablespoon avocado oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for paleo/keto)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 tablespoon brown sweetener (or honey if not low-carb)
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5 cups green cabbage, sliced thin
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2 green onions, sliced for garnish
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
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Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
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While beef is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and sweetener in a small bowl.
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Add the sauce to the beef, stir well, and let simmer for 1–2 minutes.
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Add sliced cabbage and sauté for 4–5 minutes until wilted but still a little crisp.
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Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Modern Twist on Classic Mongolian Flavors
Mongolian beef has long been a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its rich, sweet-savory sauce and tender strips of beef. However, traditional versions are often loaded with sugar, served with rice, and can be carb-heavy. This low-carb Mongolian ground beef and cabbage variation reimagines the classic with a healthier, lighter twist that maintains all the bold flavors while cutting down on carbohydrates.
Instead of using steak or flank beef slices, this recipe opts for lean ground beef, making it more affordable, faster to cook, and ideal for everyday meals. Combined with crunchy cabbage and a flavorful sauce made from low-carb ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and low-glycemic sweeteners, it delivers everything you love about takeout without the guilt.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
This dish has gained traction among home cooks, low-carb enthusiasts, and busy parents for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly fast to prepare requiring only 20 minutes from start to finish. Secondly, it uses basic pantry staples and inexpensive proteins, making it budget-friendly and accessible. Thirdly, it’s customizable to different diets like keto, paleo, gluten-free, or dairy-free depending on the substitutions used.
Another big appeal lies in its balanced nutrition. Ground beef offers protein and healthy fats, while cabbage adds volume, fiber, and important micronutrients all without adding many calories or carbs. It’s a smart choice for anyone trying to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the strongest selling points of this recipe is its nutritional profile. It’s low in carbohydrates, which is essential for ketogenic and low-glycemic diets. A typical serving contains around 320 calories and under 10 grams of net carbs, making it a smart choice for those managing their blood sugar levels or aiming for weight loss.
The cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants while also being low in calories. Ground beef, especially when using lean varieties, is an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and iron. Combined, these ingredients create a satiating meal that doesn’t leave you craving snacks an hour later.
Versatility in the Kitchen
What makes this recipe so versatile is how adaptable it is. Want it spicier? Add chili flakes or sriracha. Need it even lower in carbs? Swap out regular soy sauce for coconut aminos and use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
Vegetarians can even adapt this recipe by substituting the beef with plant-based crumbles or tofu, while still using the same flavor base. You can serve it over cauliflower rice, shirataki noodles, or even enjoy it on its own as a one-skillet meal. The possibilities are endless, which makes it a repeat favorite in many households.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Mongolian ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is ideal for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be easily reheated without compromising its texture or flavor. The cabbage softens a little more over time, making it even more flavorful as it absorbs the sauce.
For those following a weekly meal plan, doubling the recipe ensures you have lunch or dinner ready to go with minimal effort throughout the week. Just portion into airtight containers and you’re set.
How This Recipe Supports a Low-Carb Lifestyle
Reducing carbohydrate intake is one of the most effective ways to manage insulin levels and promote fat loss. Unlike traditional Asian dishes that rely heavily on sugary sauces and rice, this version eliminates the high-glycemic ingredients and replaces them with healthier alternatives.
The sauce is made with a low-carb sweetener rather than sugar, and there are no starchy thickeners like cornstarch. This helps avoid blood sugar spikes while still giving you the umami-rich flavor that makes Mongolian beef so addictive.
By relying on cabbage for bulk instead of rice or noodles, the recipe lowers the glycemic load and increases fiber content. This not only helps with digestion but also improves satiety, helping you feel full longer.
Great for Families and Picky Eaters
If you’re cooking for a family or picky eaters, this recipe is a win. It’s familiar enough in taste sweet and savory with a hint of garlic and sesame to appeal to children, while still being nutritious. The texture of the cabbage mimics noodles when sliced thinly, which can make it more appealing to those who might otherwise avoid vegetables.
You can also increase the portion size without drastically increasing the calories, making it great for feeding multiple people on a budget. Whether it’s dinner after a long day or a quick lunch before heading out, this dish checks every box.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. One of the most frequent issues is overcooking the cabbage. It should be sautéed until just wilted, not mushy. Overcooked cabbage will release too much water, diluting the sauce and affecting the flavor.
Another mistake is not browning the beef enough. Make sure you cook it until it’s deeply browned, as this enhances the savory flavor through caramelization. Also, don’t skip the acid (like apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar), which helps balance the sweetness of the sauce and adds brightness.
Lastly, avoid using high-sugar sauces like hoisin or oyster sauce unless you’re customizing for a non-keto version. These sauces, while flavorful, will add unnecessary carbs and sugars.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Although this dish can absolutely stand on its own, pairing it with other low-carb sides or toppings can enhance the experience. Here are a few ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice: A popular rice substitute that’s low in carbs and neutral in flavor, allowing the stir-fry to shine.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Great for a noodle-like texture while keeping carbs low.
- Fried Egg: Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and a velvety yolk that enriches the sauce.
- Kimchi or Pickled Veggies: A bit of acidity cuts through the richness of the dish and adds probiotic benefits.
If you’re not strictly low-carb, a scoop of jasmine rice or brown rice also pairs wonderfully with this stir-fry.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
At the core of its appeal is simplicity. This low-carb Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe doesn’t require fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a true pantry-friendly recipe that delivers on both taste and nutrition.
Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or a seasoned pro, this dish fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, adaptable enough to prevent food boredom, and flavorful enough to impress guests or satisfy cravings.
And let’s be honest anything that tastes like comfort food but supports your health goals is a win in any cookbook.
Conclusion
In a world of complicated diets and ever-changing food trends, the Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage dish stands out as a dependable, delicious, and health-conscious option. It brings together the essence of Asian takeout with modern dietary needs, all in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for families, singles, or anyone on the go, this meal combines convenience with nourishment. Whether you’re meal prepping, making dinner after work, or looking for a satisfying low-carb fix, this dish deserves a permanent place in your rotation. Its crave-worthy flavor and adaptability make it one of those recipes you’ll want to return to again and again.
Let this stir-fry be your go-to when you want something hearty, healthy, and hassle-free.