Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: Low-Carb Skillet Meal

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When you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and just a bit indulgent—but still want to keep things light—this Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage skillet meal delivers every time. This dish packs a bold punch of flavor with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a sweet and savory Mongolian-inspired sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the one-pan method means cleanup is just as easy as the cooking.

Low-carb eaters will especially love this dish as it skips the heavy starches and replaces them with nutrient-rich cabbage that soaks up all the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving dinner for the family, this recipe fits seamlessly into your weeknight rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage

This recipe checks all the boxes for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. It uses common ingredients, takes minimal prep time, and brings big flavor with a savory-sweet sauce that clings to every bite. It’s budget-friendly and kid-approved, making it a win for the whole household.

Not only is it low in carbs, but it’s also loaded with protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to fit your taste, or toss in more veggies for added variety.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, go with lean ground beef (85% or 90% lean). This gives you rich flavor without too much excess grease. If you use a fattier blend, you may want to drain some of the fat before adding the sauce and cabbage. You could also substitute ground turkey or chicken for an even lighter option if you’re cutting back on red meat.

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Ingredients for the Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage

Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you need and why:

• Ground beef – The hearty base of the dish, packed with protein and rich flavor.
• Green cabbage – Adds volume, crunch, and soaks up the sauce deliciously.
• Carrots – For a subtle sweetness and pop of color.
• Garlic – Provides depth and that signature aromatic kick.
• Ginger – Brightens the dish with a bit of zing and warmth.
• Soy sauce – Adds umami and saltiness that defines the Mongolian-style flavor.
• Brown sugar or sugar substitute – Balances the soy with sweetness.
• Sesame oil – For nutty fragrance and authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Cornstarch (optional) – Helps thicken the sauce slightly.
• Green onions – Used as a garnish for a fresh, sharp finish.
• Red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional) – For a touch of heat if desired.

How To Make the Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar (or substitute), and a splash of sesame oil. Stir well to coat the beef evenly in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If using cornstarch, mix with a bit of water and stir it in to thicken the sauce slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes or sriracha.

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Serving and Storing Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option. It generously feeds about 4 people, perfect for a family meal or a couple days of leftovers.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the stovetop or microwave, and add a splash of water if the cabbage has absorbed all the sauce. This meal also freezes well, though the texture of the cabbage may soften slightly upon thawing.

What to Serve With Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage?

Steamed Cauliflower Rice

A low-carb classic, cauliflower rice is a perfect base for soaking up all the savory sauce.

Jasmine or Brown Rice

If you’re not following a low-carb diet, fluffy white or nutty brown rice makes a great pairing.

Stir-Fried Broccoli

Bright green and slightly crispy, broccoli adds extra nutrients and color to your plate.

Fried or Poached Egg

Topping this dish with an egg adds richness and protein, making it even more satisfying.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and crunchy, cucumber salad offers a cool contrast to the warm, saucy skillet.

Garlic Green Beans

Sautéed green beans with garlic and sesame oil bring more texture and flavor to the meal.

Kimchi

If you enjoy bold flavors, fermented kimchi gives the dish a tangy, spicy edge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This meal is great for meal prep. Cook a batch, let it cool, and portion into containers for the week. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.

What can I use instead of cabbage?
If cabbage isn’t your favorite, try using thinly sliced bok choy, napa cabbage, or even kale. Just adjust the cooking time to keep the greens tender but not soggy.

Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, diced chilies, or a squeeze of sriracha into the sauce. You can also serve with chili oil on the side for customizable heat.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use ground beef or switch it up with turkey? Did you go low-carb or serve it over rice?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Check out more of my easy weeknight meals and skillet recipes on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a low-effort, high-reward meal that brings bold flavors and hearty ingredients together in one skillet. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping your meals in advance, or simply trying to eat more low-carb dishes, this recipe checks every box. It’s flexible, flavorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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