Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage – Easy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner

I still remember the first time I made a Mongolian-style dish for my family—it was a cold weeknight, and I had only ground beef and cabbage in the fridge. With a few simple sauces and a hot skillet, we had a meal everyone loved. This Mongolian ground beef cabbage recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for anyone seeking low-carb, family-friendly, and one-pot dinners that are full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal, this Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is a must-try. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a one-pan wonder that combines savory Mongolian-style sauces with tender ground beef and crisp cabbage. This easy Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is customizable—add zucchini, napa cabbage, or extra green onions to suit your taste. Low-carb and full of bold flavors, it’s a balanced dish that’s both comforting and healthy. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a sizzling Mongolian-style garlic cabbage and ground beef meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Families love it because it’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable, making leftovers just as tasty the next day. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or a versatile dish for meal prep, this Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe delivers flavor, convenience, and flexibility in every bite.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients to create bold, savory flavors. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while garlic and fresh ginger add warmth and aromatic depth. Soy sauce and hoisin sauce deliver the signature Mongolian-style flavor, balanced with sesame oil and a hint of spice from black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Crisp cabbage and optional zucchini add texture and freshness, making this low-carb Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe both satisfying and healthy. Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions gives a final touch of crunch and color, elevating the dish. These ingredients combine effortlessly for an easy, customizable, and family-friendly one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Beef:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Vegetables:
4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)
1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or avocado oil)

For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Extra sliced green onions

How to Make This Recipe

This easy Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps, delivering bold Mongolian-style flavors in a low-carb, family-friendly meal. Start by cooking the ground beef with garlic and fresh ginger until browned and fragrant. Adding soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper creates the signature savory sauce that coats every bite of beef. Next, stir-fry shredded cabbage and optional zucchini until tender-crisp, combining them with the beef for a sizzling Mongolian-style ground beef and cabbage dish. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. This easy Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a customizable one-pan dinner that’s healthy, comforting, and full of bold flavors.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger. Cook until beef is browned and aromatic.

Step 2: Add Sauces
Mix in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Stir to coat the beef fully.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Push beef to the side. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 4 cups shredded cabbage, and optional 1 medium zucchini sliced. Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until cabbage is tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine & Garnish
Mix vegetables with beef. Stir in 2 chopped green onions. Top with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot as a low-carb Mongolian ground beef and cabbage meal.

Step 5: Optional Serving
Serve as is for low-carb or over rice for a more filling Mongolian ground beef and cabbage dinner.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is easier than you think when you follow a few simple expert tips. Using fresh garlic and ginger ensures the savory Mongolian-style flavors really pop, while browning the ground beef properly locks in flavor and juices. Don’t overcook the cabbage—keeping it tender-crisp adds texture and contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory beef. This easy Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is versatile, so you can add zucchini, napa cabbage, or extra green onions for freshness. Garnish with sesame seeds to intensify flavor and presentation. For meal prep or weeknight dinners, cooking in one pan keeps cleanup minimal while delivering a sizzling Mongolian-style ground beef and cabbage dish your whole family will love.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use fresh 3 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger for maximum Mongolian-style flavor
• Brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat to seal in juices
• Stir-fry 4 cups shredded cabbage and optional 1 medium zucchini just until tender-crisp
• Add sauces early: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for bold Mongolian flavors
• Garnish with 2 chopped green onions and sesame seeds for color and texture
• Customize your easy Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe with extra vegetables or low-carb sides

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This Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or special occasions. The savory Mongolian-style sauce combined with tender ground beef and crisp cabbage creates a low-carb, family-friendly dish that’s customizable and satisfying. With minimal prep, bold flavors, and versatile ingredients like zucchini or napa cabbage, this easy Mongolian ground beef and cabbage recipe is a go-to for anyone seeking a healthy, comforting, and delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.

Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

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Description

A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining savory Mongolian-style ground beef with tender cabbage and a hint of garlic. This low-carb, one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, and can easily be customized with zucchini, napa cabbage, or a side of rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Vegetables:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or napa)

• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons (optional)

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or avocado oil)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds

• Extra sliced green onions

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.

• Stir in garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

• Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Cook until beef is fully browned.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

• Push beef to the side of the pan. Add oil and then cabbage (and zucchini if using).

• Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until cabbage is slightly tender but still crisp. Mix together with beef.

Step 3: Finish & Serve

• Stir in chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or sesame oil if desired.

• Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot as is for a low-carb meal or with steamed rice.

Notes

• Low-Carb Version: Skip rice and add extra cabbage or zucchini.
• Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course / Stir-fry
• Method: Sauté / Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Asian / Mongolian-inspired