Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from boring to brilliant with this mouthwatering Southwest Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a dish that's packed with bold flavors, protein-rich ground beef, and crisp, tangy cabbage that will have your family begging for seconds. This isn't just another stir fry - it's a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant spirit of Southwest cuisine right to your dinner table, without the hassle of complicated cooking techniques.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice bell pepper, slice onion, mince garlic, and shred cabbage. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it's completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add shredded cabbage to the skillet and pour soy sauce over the top. Stir-fry for an additional 5-6 minutes until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.
Tips
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect sear on the ground beef.
- Drain excess fat after cooking beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook the cabbage - you want it tender but still with a slight crunch for the best texture.
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can elevate the final presentation and add a burst of freshness.
- If you want to make this dish lower-carb, you can serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg