Savory 30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe
Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that won’t keep you chained to the kitchen for hours? Look no further than this incredibly easy and delicious Savory 30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet! This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic Mongolian beef dish, but with a healthy twist, using readily available ingredients and ready in just half an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, wholesome, and deeply flavorful dinner. The combination of savory beef, tender-crisp cabbage, and a touch of sweetness is simply irresistible. Get ready to ditch the takeout menus because this mongolian ground beef and cabbage skillet is about to become your new go-to meal!
Why You’ll Love This Savory 30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This skillet dinner is a winner for so many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a guilt-free meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
- Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious mongolian ground beef and cabbage skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the protein base of the dish. For a leaner option, use ground turkey.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic savory flavor.
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutritional value. Green cabbage works best, but you can use red cabbage for a slightly different flavor and color.
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce substitute): Provides the salty and umami flavor. Coconut aminos are a great gluten-free and lower-sodium option.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Contributes a nutty and aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and spice to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your preference or omit entirely.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Helps to create a flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca starch): Used to thicken the sauce. Tapioca starch is a great alternative for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds visual appeal and a nutty flavor.
- Chopped green onions, for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Savory 30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Follow these simple steps to create this amazing dish:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until it begins to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth.
- In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch (or tapioca starch) with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the coconut aminos mixture and cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your mongolian ground beef and cabbage skillet turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and add more coconut aminos, rice vinegar, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- For added flavor, try adding a tablespoon of grated ginger and a clove of minced garlic to the ground beef while browning.
Serving Suggestions
This mongolian ground beef and cabbage skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Serve over steamed rice or quinoa.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Top with a fried egg for added protein and richness.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover mongolian ground beef and cabbage skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works perfectly well in this recipe. It’s a great leaner option.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat. This spring roll salad recipe is a great place to get some inspiration for making other vegetarian Asian-inspired dishes!
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
This mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is very similar to this Low Carb Mongolian Beef & Cabbage recipe on Fork Haven.
With its perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, this Savory 30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious – what more could you ask for? So, ditch the takeout and give this recipe a try tonight. You won’t be disappointed! Try this garlic butter beef bowtie pasta next time for another quick and easy dinner!
Savory 30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Craving a quick, healthy, and deeply flavorful meal? This low-carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet is your answer! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich, savory sauce, perfectly complemented by tender-crisp cabbage. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. Skip the takeout and enjoy this homemade, guilt-free version of a classic favorite. This dish is perfect for meal prepping, and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference, making it a family-friendly option. Enjoy the delightful combination of savory beef, crunchy cabbage, and a hint of sweetness for a truly unforgettable meal. Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as is for a complete and fulfilling experience. This recipe is a game changer!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce substitute)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until it begins to wilt, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth.
- In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch (or tapioca starch) with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Pour the coconut aminos mixture and cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, try adding a tablespoon of grated ginger and a clove of minced garlic to the ground beef while browning. Cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb base for this dish. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg