Cabbage Stir Fry with Ground Beef and Cheese
Looking for an easy, budget-friendly, one-pan, low-carb recipe? This cabbage stir-fry with ground beef and cheese is perfect for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner. With just four ingredients, it combines tender, slightly caramelized cabbage, savory ground beef, sweet onions, and a generous layer of melted cheese.
Perfect for weeknights, this cabbage and ground beef recipe is also a great meal-prep idea: it keeps very well and reheats easily for lunch the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Low-carb and naturally low in starch
Ready in one pan, with minimal cleanup
A complete meal, high in protein and very satisfying
Simple, accessible, and economical ingredients
Ideal for a quick dinner or meal prep
Cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, for a more balanced meal
Ingrédients: Serves 4
700g ground beef, preferably 80-90% lean
1 medium green cabbage, about 1-1.2kg, finely shredded
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
200g grated cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Emmental, or a cheese blend
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparing the Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir-Fry
1. Prepare the vegetables
Remove the tough core from the cabbage, then Finely chop the onion. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef
In a large, deep skillet, heat the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until well browned.
Remove any excess fat, leaving about one to two tablespoons in the skillet to cook the vegetables.
3. Add the onion
Add the sliced onion to the ground beef. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook the cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage gradually to the skillet. Stir well after each addition so it wilts gently as it cooks.
Cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For lightly browned and caramelized edges, let the mixture cook undisturbed for one to two minutes between each stir.
5. Add the cheese
Once the cabbage is tender and well combined with the ground beef, spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
Sprinkle about 150g of grated cheese on top. Cover and let it melt over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the remaining cheese, and if your pan is oven-safe, broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Serve
Let the cabbage and ground beef skillet rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot, straight from the pan.
Tips and variations
You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version. Add a drizzle of olive oil if the meat is very lean.
For a spicier flavor, use pepper jack cheese or add a pinch of smoked paprika. Mozzarella provides a wonderfully creamy texture, while cheddar offers a more intense flavor.
Serve this low-carb recipe with a green salad, fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or a light coleslaw. If you’re not following a low-carb diet, serve it with crusty bread or rice.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a quick and tasty lunch.
