Savory Chinese-Style Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

Tender ground beef, crisp-tender cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a savory soy-based sauce come together in one skillet for a quick, comforting meal. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and delicious served on its own or over rice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions

1. Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced cabbage and toss everything together. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens but still has a little bite.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and oyster sauce if using.
6. Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage. Add black pepper and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors come together.
7. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions.
8. Serve hot on its own, over steamed rice, or with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Related Questions & Answers

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well and makes the skillet a little lighter while still absorbing all the savory flavors.

Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Absolutely. Simply leave it out. The soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger still give the dish plenty of flavor.

What vegetables can I add?
Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas are all great additions.

How can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.

What should I serve with it?
Steamed white or brown rice is classic, while cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb option.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition

Nutrition will vary depending on the ground beef, sauces, and optional ingredients used. For a lower-carb version, serve it without rice and use a low-sugar sauce.

Conclusion

This Chinese-style ground beef and cabbage skillet is one of those easy meals that delivers big flavor without a lot of work. Everything cooks together in one pan, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and just as tasty the next day.