Beef Mince & Cabbage Stir Fry (Budget 20-Minute Dinner)

A fast, flavour-packed stir fry using humble ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or tight budgets.

This Beef Mince & Cabbage Stir Fry is the kind of cheap, no-fuss dinner that saves busy weeknights and stretched budgets. Made with everyday pantry staples, this flavour-packed stir fry comes together in just 20 minutes using one pan. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for when the fridge is looking bare but you still want something seriously tasty.

This is one of those back-pocket dinners I make when I need something fast, filling and cheap without thinking too hard. A packet of beef mince, half a cabbage hanging around in the crisper, and a handful of pantry staples is all it takes. It’s the sort of meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to get big flavour – just a hot pan, a good sauce, and 20 minutes from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Mince & Cabbage Stir Fry

• Cheap to make using budget-friendly beef mince and cabbage
• Ready in just 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights
• Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
• One-pan dinner with minimal prep and easy clean-up
• Big savoury flavour without any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients
• A dish the whole family will love

How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

1. Heat a large pan or wok and brown the beef mince until well coloured.
2. Add the sliced onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrot and cook until just tender.
4. Pour over the sauce and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until glossy and full of flavour, then serve hot.

Variations to Try

• Swap the protein: Use chicken mince, pork mince or turkey mince instead of beef.
• Make it spicy: Add chilli flakes, fresh chilli, sambal oelek or sriracha to the sauce.
• Bulk it out: Toss in extra veg like capsicum, zucchini, frozen peas or bean sprouts.
• Low-carb option: Serve as-is or with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Noodle version: Stir through cooked instant noodles or rice noodles to stretch the meal further.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this beef mince and cabbage stir fry over steamed jasmine or long-grain rice for a classic, budget-friendly dinner. It’s also great spooned over noodles or enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal. Finish with a drizzle of chilli oil or a sprinkle of spring onions if you have them – totally optional, but very good.Tips for the Best Beef Mince & Cabbage Stir Fry

• Use a hot pan: Let the mince really brown before adding anything else – this adds flavour and stops it from steaming.
• Shred the cabbage finely: Thin slices cook faster and soak up the sauce better.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your pan is small, cook the mince first, then add the cabbage in batches.
• Taste before serving: Different soy sauces vary in saltiness, so adjust with a splash of water, vinegar or sugar if needed.
• Add cabbage last: It only needs a few minutes to soften while still keeping a bit of bite.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover beef mince and cabbage stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months, making it great for meal prep. To reheat, warm gently in a pan or microwave, adding a small splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist.

FAQ’s

If you’re after a cheap, filling dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavour, this beef mince and cabbage stir fry is a real weeknight winner. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and proves that simple ingredients can still deliver big comfort-food vibes. Keep it on rotation for busy nights, tight budgets, or when you just need dinner on the table fast.

More Beef Mince Recipes:

• Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Kate’s Spaghetti Bolognese
• Crunchy Asian Beef Bowls (20 minute Dinner)
• Beef & Veggie Rissoles