When you’re craving a warm, savory dinner that feels comforting but still fits a low-carb lifestyle, this Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe delivers on every level. Inspired by bold Asian flavors and simplified for everyday cooking, this dish combines tender ground beef, sautéed cabbage, and a rich, savory sauce into one satisfying skillet meal. Try our Miso Butter Roasted Cabbage Wedges savory cabbage roasted with miso and butter for a flavorful side dish.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy keto dinners, or anyone looking for an easy way to enjoy beef dishes without heavy carbs. Whether you’re following keto recipes dinner plans or simply want a healthier twist on classic Asian recipes, this meal brings comfort, flavor, and balance to the table. Enjoy a lighter twist on burgers with Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers oven-baked patties nestled in tender cabbage leaves.
Or go bold with our Asian Cabbage Stir Fry quick, savory, and packed with crisp veggies and umami goodness.
What Is / Why It’s Special
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a simplified, keto-friendly take on traditional Mongolian beef. Instead of breaded steak and sugary sauces, this version uses ground beef and cabbage to keep carbs low while still delivering deep, savory flavor. The cabbage softens as it cooks, soaking up the sauce and creating a texture similar to noodles or rice without the extra carbs.
What makes this recipe special is its balance of comfort and practicality. It’s a one-pan meal, packed with protein and vegetables, and ready in under 30 minutes. As part of keto recipes easy collections, it fits seamlessly into low-carb routines while still feeling indulgent. This dish works beautifully as a cozy dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a hearty option for anyone exploring healthier meat recipes with an Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, affordable ingredients that deliver big flavor.
Ground Beef
Lean ground beef is the heart of this dish. It cooks quickly, absorbs sauce well, and makes this recipe budget-friendly and filling. It’s ideal for ground beef recipes that need to come together fast.
Cabbage
Cabbage is the secret star. Naturally low in carbs and high in fiber, it creates volume and texture while supporting a recette santé approach to comfort food.
Aromatic Ingredients
Garlic and ginger add warmth and depth, creating the signature flavor base found in many Asian recipes.
Savory Sauce Components
Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto), sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness bring everything together without overwhelming the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prep
Start by finely slicing the cabbage and mincing the garlic and ginger. Measure out your sauce ingredients ahead of time. This preparation ensures smooth cooking and prevents overcooking once the skillet is hot.
Step 2 — Build
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, then add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
Step 3 — Cook / Bake
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir well and let everything cook together until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the beef and cabbage evenly.
Step 4 — Finish & Serve
Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and optional green onions. Serve hot on its own or over cauliflower rice for a complete keto recipes dinner.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
This dish is incredibly adaptable. Swap ground beef for ground turkey, adjust sweetness to taste, or add chili flakes for heat. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
You’ll love how filling and comforting this recipe feels while still staying low in carbs. It’s proof that keto recipes easy can still be rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
⭐ Why Cabbage Is One of the Best Vegetables for Keto & Low-Carb Dinners
Cabbage is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most powerful vegetables for low-carb and keto cooking. Naturally low in carbohydrates and calories, cabbage provides volume and texture that help replace traditional starches like rice or noodles. In this Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe, cabbage absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, creating a comforting, hearty bite without the carb load.
From a nutritional perspective, cabbage supports digestion thanks to its fiber content while remaining gentle enough for most low-carb meal plans. It helps create fullness, which is essential for anyone following keto recipes dinner routines. Unlike heavier vegetables, cabbage cooks quickly and becomes tender without losing its structure, making it ideal for fast, one-pan meals.
As part of a recette santé approach, cabbage offers vitamins and antioxidants that support overall wellness. When paired with protein-rich ground beef, it balances the dish by adding lightness and freshness. This combination allows the meal to feel satisfying without heaviness a key reason cabbage recipes are so popular in low-carb cooking.
What truly sets cabbage apart is its versatility. It adapts to bold flavors, especially in Asian recipes, where it acts as a canvas for savory sauces. Instead of feeling like a “substitute,” cabbage becomes a core ingredient that elevates the entire dish. This makes it easier to stick with keto recipes easy and enjoyable long term, without feeling restricted or deprived.
⭐Ground Beef Keto Dinners: Fast, Budget-Friendly & Family-Approved
Ground beef is one of the most practical proteins for keto and low-carb cooking. It’s affordable, widely available, and incredibly quick to cook, making it perfect for busy households. In this Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe, ground beef delivers rich flavor while keeping preparation simple and stress-free.
For families, ground beef recipes offer flexibility. The meat absorbs seasoning easily, which means even picky eaters can enjoy bold flavors without tough textures. This makes it easier to introduce Asian-inspired beef dishes into family meals without resistance. Combined with cabbage, the dish feels familiar yet exciting, striking a balance between comfort and variety.
From a budgeting perspective, ground beef allows you to create hearty meat recipes without expensive cuts. This makes keto recipes dinner options more accessible and sustainable. You can double the recipe for leftovers, store it easily, and reheat it without losing flavor or texture.
Most importantly, ground beef supports consistency. When meals are quick, affordable, and satisfying, it becomes easier to maintain low-carb habits. This recipe proves that keto recipes easy don’t need complicated ingredients or long prep times just smart combinations that work in real life.
FAQs
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits perfectly into keto recipes dinner plans.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute.
Is cabbage good for low-carb diets?
Yes, cabbage is low in carbs and high in fiber, making it ideal for keto.
Can this be meal-prepped?
Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully for several days.
Conclusion
This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe delivers everything you want in a keto-friendly dinner bold flavor, comforting texture, and real-life practicality. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.