Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Casserole
This hearty Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Casserole is an easy, flavorful, one-pan meal made with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, garlic, and onion. It’s naturally low-carb, high in protein, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25–30 minutes Total Time: 35–40 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- ½ medium head cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos, optional
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Cook the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the beef and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
4. Season the mixture: Add the paprika, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef evenly. Add the soy sauce or coconut aminos if desired.
5. Add the cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage. Pour in the beef broth or water and mix everything together. The cabbage may look bulky at first, but it will shrink as it cooks.
6. Cover and simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. Add a splash of water if the pan becomes too dry.
7. Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot as a complete low-carb meal or alongside a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings using 85–90% lean ground beef, without optional cheese or oil. Actual values vary.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300–350 |
| Protein | 24–28 g |
| Total carbohydrates | 10–13 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Net carbohydrates | 7–10 g |
| Fat | 18–23 g |
Tips for a High-Protein, Low-Carb Version
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while keeping the meal protein-rich.
- Skip added sugar and use a soy sauce or coconut aminos brand with minimal carbohydrates.
- Keep the cabbage: It adds fiber, volume, and nutrients without adding many carbohydrates.
- Make it cheesy: Add cheddar or mozzarella for extra flavor and some additional protein.
- Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly.
