Looking for a delicious, quick meal that’s packed with nutrients and bold flavors? This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Stack is the perfect answer. It takes under 30 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With lean ground beef, a mix of vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce, it offers the comfort of takeout without the extra calories.
This stir fry stack is also great for meal prep and can be served on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles. Let’s explore how to create this colorful and satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry Stack
Balanced and Wholesome Ingredients
This dish combines lean protein from ground beef with fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and kale or spinach. Garlic and ginger add bold flavor and immune-boosting properties, while sesame oil and soy sauce bring traditional Chinese taste with a healthier touch.
You can also adjust the spice level and swap in your favorite veggies to make it your own. The versatility of this recipe makes it a staple in any healthy meal rotation.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, this stir fry is fast and hassle-free. The “stack” presentation makes it look fancier than it is—just layer it up for an eye-catching meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish checks all the boxes.
Ingredients and Directions
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Directions
- Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then drizzle in the sesame oil.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s browned and fully done, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Mix in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until they become fragrant.
- Toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped kale or spinach. Stir fry everything for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are just tender but still a bit crisp.
- In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional oyster sauce. Pour this over the beef and vegetables, and mix until everything is well coated.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute or two until the mixture thickens.
- Take the pan off the heat, then top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- When serving, layer the stir fry neatly in a bowl or on a plate for a clean, eye-catching presentation.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to experiment with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. For a vegetarian twist, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking time accordingly.
You can also spice it up with a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes, depending on your preference.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the stir fry on its own for a low-carb option, or pair it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or soba noodles for added sustenance. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave.
Print
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Stack
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A nutritious, quick, and flavorful Chinese-inspired ground beef and cabbage stir fry stack with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, julienned
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage, carrots, and kale/spinach. Sauté for 4–5 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce. Add to skillet.
- If using, add cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes to thicken.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve stacked neatly for visual appeal.
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: “healthy stir fry”, “ground beef”, “cabbage”, “easy dinner”