Egg Roll in a Bowl with Ground Beef
A fast, cozy dinner with all the flavors of an egg roll, made in one pan without the wrapper or frying.
This egg roll in a bowl with ground beef is a smart dinner when you want something simple and filling without a lot of cleanup. You brown the beef, add cabbage and carrots, then finish everything with a quick sauce.
It is also easy to scale down for a small meal. If you are cooking for one, you can save half for later. If you are cooking for two, it feels complete on its own, or you can serve it with rice or noodles if you want a heartier bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 1 cup finely shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For easier prep, you can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage and carrots yourself. Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles if you want a larger meal.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain off extra fat if you want a lighter bowl.
- Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the cabbage and carrots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and black pepper.
- Cook for 1 more minute, then taste and add more soy sauce if needed. Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips and Easy Variations
For the right texture
- Cook the cabbage a little longer if you want it softer.
- Stop early if you like a slight crunch.
- Use fine shreds for a more tender bite.
Easy swaps
- Use coleslaw mix to save prep time.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add a scrambled egg near the end for extra richness.
Make it your way
- Skip red pepper flakes for a milder bowl.
- Serve over rice noodles for a more filling dinner.
- Use lean beef and low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
Helpful serving ideas
- Serve it as is for a low carb meal.
- Add steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a bigger portion.
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
You can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months, though the cabbage may soften more after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water, or warm it in the microwave in short bursts and stir once or twice.
Conclusion
Egg roll in a bowl with ground beef is a simple way to make a fast, flavorful dinner with very little effort. It is perfect when you want a small, satisfying meal that still feels special.
Keep this recipe in mind for easy weeknight cooking, especially when you want something cozy, flexible, and ready in about 20 minutes.
FAQ
What is egg roll in a bowl?▶
It is a skillet meal that uses the filling from an egg roll, like meat, cabbage, carrots, and seasoning, but skips the wrapper and frying.
Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken?▶
Yes. Both work well. Just season a little more, since they are milder than beef.
Is this recipe low carb?▶
Yes. It is naturally low in carbs when served without rice or noodles.
Can I use coleslaw mix?▶
Yes. It is a great shortcut and helps the recipe come together even faster.
How do I keep the cabbage from getting too soft?▶
Cook it just until tender. If you prefer a firmer bite, stir it less and keep the heat at medium.
