Name: Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 1/2 Onion, chopped; 1/2 Red Bell Pepper, chopped; 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, chopped; 3 cups Green Cabbage, cut into thin long noodle shapes; 1 tsp Sesame Oil; 3 tsp Minced Garlic; 2 tsp Ginger Paste; 3 tsp Chili Garlic Paste; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce; 3 tbsp Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute; 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions; Sesame Seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 85 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that packs a punch in both flavor and comfort, you’re going to adore this Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe. It’s a vibrant, keto-friendly stir fry that combines tender ground beef with crispy cabbage cut into noodle-like strips, all tossed in a deliciously spicy, garlicky sauce. This dish is a perfect weeknight winner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly wholesome, delivering incredible flavor with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites to revisit again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface with a white background. On the left, there is a large bowl filled with torn green leafy cabbage. Next to it on the right, a large bowl holds raw pink ground meat. Below them, a small bowl has chopped white onions, beside it is another small bowl filled with chopped green onions. To the left, a medium bowl contains diced red tomatoes mixed with small green peppers. In the front row, there are four small bowls: one with light brown sugar, another with dark brown soy sauce, a bowl with a smooth pale yellow paste, and another one with a red chili paste. A very small bowl contains a small amount of light amber liquid close to the brown sugar bowl, and another small bowl has a light minced substance near the garlic and ginger pastes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Behind this Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe lies a collection of simple yet bold ingredients, each contributing to its layered taste and appealing texture. From the savory beef to the crisp cabbage, this lineup perfectly balances richness, heat, and sweetness.

1 pound Ground Beef: Choose a lean option for a juicy, meaty base without too much grease.
1/2 Onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
1/2 Red Bell Pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a mild fruity crunch.
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the red pepper.
3 cups Green Cabbage, cut into thin long noodle shapes: The star noodle substitute that adds crunch and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 tsp Sesame Oil: Infuses a toasty, fragrant undertone that complements the Asian-inspired flavors.
3 tsp Minced Garlic: Packs a punch of savory goodness and heat.
2 tsp Ginger Paste: Adds bright warmth and subtle spice.
3 tsp Chili Garlic Paste: Provides the signature spicy kick to the dish.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Delivers the essential salty umami that holds everything together.
3 tbsp Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute: Balances the heat with just the right amount of sweetness.
1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions: For fresh, zesty garnish and a splash of green color.

How to Make Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef, onions, and both red and green bell peppers. Sauté these together until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables soften just a bit. This step builds a wonderful savory base and ensures the flavors start blending early. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish light but flavorful.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, Swerve brown sugar substitute, minced garlic, ginger paste, and chili garlic paste. Whisking these together creates a deeply flavorful sauce that has the perfect balance of spicy heat, savory depth, and subtle sweetness, essential for capturing the true spirit of this Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Cabbage ‘Noodles’

Next, add the thinly sliced cabbage noodles to the beef and vegetable mixture in your skillet. Stir everything to combine evenly, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow the cabbage to soften to your liking—this usually takes just a few minutes. The cabbage noodles will absorb the meat’s juices while retaining a satisfying crunch, creating a perfect noodle substitute.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking

Pour your prepared sauce over the cabbage and beef mixture. Stir well and continue to sauté for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This final step lets the flavors develop fully and coat every ingredient. When done, the dish will be glossy, fragrant, and packed with the taste you’ve been dreaming about.

How to Serve Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe

The dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. It has several layers starting with light green cabbage leaves that look soft and slightly cooked, spread across the plate. On top of the cabbage are small pieces of brown cooked ground meat scattered unevenly. Bright red chili pieces and whole dried red chilies add a pop of color, positioned on top and mixed through the layers. There are also chopped green onions cut into chunks, placed around and inside the dish. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding tiny white dots for texture. In the background, there is another white plate with the same dish and a glass bowl with chopped green onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your plate, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the dish. These garnishes add freshness, texture, and a little extra nutty flavor that brightens the intense, spicy beef and cabbage. A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime can also bring new dimension to each serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add more greens. If you want something more traditional, a side of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice can balance the heat and soak up the extra sauce, making your meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a guest-worthy presentation, consider serving the Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a fun handheld option. Alternatively, plate it in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture and an extra layer of Asian-inspired flavor. Presentation is a great way to showcase this dish’s vibrant colors and rich aromas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can easily store any leftover Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect post-workday lunch or quick dinner option that tastes just as good reheated.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish even longer, freezing is an option. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and store for up to 2 months. Just remember that cabbage might soften slightly more after freezing, but the flavors will remain deliciously intact.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve texture and flavor. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it gets thick. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover your dish to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives, and even plant-based ground “meats” can be a tasty swap. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they’re properly cooked through.

Is this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Yes, it’s perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles, thanks to the use of cabbage noodles instead of traditional wheat noodles, and the sugar substitute keeps carbohydrate count low without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is the Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe?

The heat level primarily comes from the chili garlic paste, which offers a good kick without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the amount to taste or substitute with milder or hotter versions depending on your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! It reheats beautifully, and prepping it in advance can save you time on busy days. Just store in portioned containers to grab and go.

What can I use if I don’t have Swerve brown sugar substitute?

You can replace it with any other low-carb sweetener you like or a small amount of regular brown sugar if keto isn’t your goal. The sweetness balances the savory and spicy elements nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely special about this Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Noodles Recipe. It takes just a handful of straightforward ingredients and turns them into a dish bursting with flavor and texture that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a new staple in your cooking rotation.