Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a delicious, savory, and healthy dish that’s perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. The combination of tender ground beef, crispy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings makes it incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1/2 small onion, finely diced
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3 cups green cabbage, shredded
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for low sodium)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
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Stir in the shredded cabbage and sauté until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
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Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cabbage is tender.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Spicy Mongolian Beef: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to give the dish more heat.
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Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
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Add More Veggies: You can throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to make the dish more hearty and colorful.
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Low-Sodium Option: Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos to lower the sodium content while maintaining great flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Each option will bring its own flavor and texture to the dish.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and enjoy a quick, healthy meal.
3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add chili paste or hot sauce to make it spicier according to your taste.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, the recipe will be gluten-free.
5. Can I use other vegetables instead of cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute cabbage with other leafy greens like kale, spinach, or bok choy, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
6. How can I make this dish lower in fat?
To make this dish lower in fat, you can use leaner cuts of ground meat, such as lean ground turkey or chicken breast.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, using pre-shredded cabbage will save time, and it works just as well in this recipe.
8. How do I adjust the flavor if it’s too salty?
If the dish turns out too salty, add a splash of water or extra rice vinegar to balance the flavors. You can also add more cabbage or other vegetables to dilute the saltiness.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
10. What can I serve this with?
This dish can be served on its own for a low-carb meal, or you can pair it with cauliflower rice or a side salad for extra greens.
Conclusion
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a fantastic dish that combines the savory flavors of ground beef with the crunch of cabbage, all coated in a delicious Mongolian-style sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those looking to enjoy a low-carb meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish combining savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s low-carb, versatile, and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 small onion, finely diced
3 cups green cabbage, shredded
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for low sodium)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and sauté until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free and lower-sodium option.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variations.
Pre-shredded cabbage can be used for convenience.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg