Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s packed with flavor but still feels light? This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage stir-fry is your answer. It combines tender ground beef with crisp cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Every bite delivers warmth, crunch, and umami satisfaction without the heaviness of takeout.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is naturally low in carbs. Serve it on its own, over cauliflower rice, or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun twist. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with the aromas of garlic, soy, and sesame while delivering wholesome comfort.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this recipe, lean ground beef (around 90% lean) is ideal. It gives you just enough richness to carry the flavors without leaving the dish greasy. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you want an even lighter option.

Ingredients for the Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage

Ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base and absorbs the garlic-ginger sauce beautifully.
Cabbage: Adds crunch, volume, and sweetness as it softens in the pan.
Carrots: Offer color and a mild natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Garlic: Essential for bringing out the bold, aromatic foundation.
Ginger: Adds zing and depth, giving the dish a signature Chinese flair.
Soy sauce: Delivers saltiness and umami, tying all the flavors together.
Sesame oil: A finishing touch that adds a nutty, toasty aroma.
Green onions: Sprinkle on top for freshness and a pop of color.

How To Make the Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, julienne the carrots, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Having everything ready makes the stir-fry smooth and fast.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so they don’t burn.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add the cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage softens slightly but still has a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Pour in soy sauce and drizzle with sesame oil. Toss everything well to coat. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot, with optional cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves.

Serving and Storing Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage

This stir-fry is fantastic straight out of the pan, but leftovers are equally tasty. Serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb option. If you want more protein, top it with a fried egg or some tofu.

To store, let it cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat. Keep the same seasonings and follow the same steps.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Let the stir-fry cool, portion it into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s low in carbs, especially if you skip rice or use cauliflower rice.

Can I add other veggies?

Definitely. Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms are all great additions.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Use regular soy sauce or low-sodium if you prefer less salt. Tamari works well for a gluten-free option.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage, check out these other delicious meals:

Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls for a fresh, Mediterranean touch.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken when you’re craving comfort food.
Honey Garlic Ribs for a sticky, sweet-and-savory main.
Healthy Sausage Veggie Skillet Meal for a one-pan, hearty dinner.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup for something warming and aromatic.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you make it spicier or add extra veggies? Did you serve it with rice or lettuce wraps?

I love hearing how you customize these recipes. Questions and tips are always welcome—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!