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Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry (One-Pan Savory Side Dish)

This easy ground beef and cabbage stir fry is a quick one-pan recipe made with shredded cabbage, ground beef, onion, tomato, and warm spices. It cooks fast, uses simple pantry seasonings, and works as a flavorful side dish or light main for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: African
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Stir Fry Ingredients
  • 350 g ground beef
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 1 seasoning cube crushed
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro) chopped, add at the end
  • salt to taste

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat the cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the diced tomato, crushed seasoning cube, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the tomato softens and forms a light sauce.
  5. Add the shredded cabbage and toss well so it’s coated in the beef mixture.
  6. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cabbage is tender but still has some bite.
  7. Taste and add salt as needed. Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped coriander, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Slice the cabbage thinly for quick, even cooking and a better stir-fry texture.
  • If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, spoon off the excess before adding the tomato and spices.
  • For a saucier finish, add 2–3 tablespoons of water after the tomato breaks down, then proceed with the cabbage.
  • Add coriander at the end to keep its flavor fresh and bright.