We’ve discovered the perfect comfort food mashup that’ll revolutionize your weeknight dinners. This ground beef coleslaw recipe combines the hearty satisfaction of seasoned ground beef with the fresh crunch of classic coleslaw – creating a one-bowl meal that’s both filling and surprisingly refreshing.
What makes this dish absolutely brilliant is how it transforms two beloved favorites into something completely new. The warm, savory ground beef mingles with crisp cabbage and carrots while a tangy dressing ties everything together. It’s like having a burger and coleslaw in every single bite.
We love how quickly this recipe comes together – perfect for those busy evenings when you need something nutritious and delicious on the table fast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this ground beef coleslaw delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Trust us, once you try this winning combination, it’ll become your new go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients
We’ve organized these simple ingredients into three categories to make your cooking process smooth and efficient. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of savory meat and crisp vegetables.
For the Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Coleslaw
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 large carrots, julienned or grated
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment Needed
Preparing our ground beef coleslaw recipe requires basic kitchen equipment that most home cooks already have on hand. We’ve organized the essential tools to help you create this delicious comfort food efficiently.
Large Nonstick Skillet or Frying Pan forms the foundation of our cooking process. We recommend using a 10-inch pan with tall sides to accommodate both the ground beef and coleslaw mixture. The nonstick surface prevents sticking while allowing proper browning of the meat.
Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon becomes essential for stirring and breaking apart the ground beef as it cooks. These tools help us achieve the perfect texture without damaging our nonstick pan surface.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board enable us to prepare our fresh ingredients properly. We’ll use these for mincing garlic and ginger while slicing green onions to the perfect size for our dish.
Measuring Spoons ensure accuracy when adding our seasonings and sauces. Precise measurements of soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha create the balanced flavors that make this recipe special.
Large Mixing Bowl provides space for combining ingredients if we choose to prepare components separately. This bowl also works well for mixing our coleslaw if we’re using fresh cabbage instead of pre-shredded mix.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We don’t need specialized equipment or complicated gadgets. Our standard kitchen tools handle everything from browning the beef to combining the final ingredients. Most importantly, we want our large skillet to have enough capacity for both the ground beef and cabbage to cook together evenly.
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create our flavorful ground beef coleslaw in just 20 minutes. Each component builds upon the last to deliver a perfectly balanced one-bowl meal.
Prep the Coleslaw
We start with a 16-ounce package of coleslaw mix containing shredded cabbage and carrots. The pre-packaged mix saves time and ensures consistent texture throughout our dish. Set the coleslaw aside while we prepare the other components.
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Add 1 pound of ground beef (85% lean recommended) to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until the beef browns completely and juices run clear. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning and optimal texture.
Make the Dressing
Pour 3 tablespoons of soy sauce directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 2 teaspoons of sriracha for heat. Stir the mixture to combine all flavors evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more sriracha or soy sauce as desired for your preferred flavor intensity.
Assemble the Salad
Add the coleslaw mix directly to the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Stir and cook until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender, approximately 5 minutes. The volume will reduce significantly as the cabbage cooks and absorbs the savory flavors.
Mix thoroughly to distribute the beef and seasonings evenly throughout the coleslaw. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving hot.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We love how this ground beef coleslaw recipe adapts perfectly to meal prep schedules. The key to successful advance preparation lies in understanding which components store well and which elements need fresh preparation.
Vegetable Preparation
We recommend shredding fresh cabbage and carrots up to two days ahead of cooking. Store the prepared vegetables in sealed bags in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. This advance prep saves important time during busy weeknight cooking and ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.
Sauce Components
Our flavor base stores exceptionally well when prepared in advance. Combine the soy sauce, sriracha, white vinegar, ginger paste, and sesame oil in a sealed container. This sauce mixture maintains its potency for up to two weeks when refrigerated. We suggest preparing a double batch to have on hand for multiple meals.
Ground Beef Strategy
The ground beef mixture benefits from a exact make-ahead approach. Cook the seasoned ground beef completely and allow it to cool before refrigerating for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the beef in your skillet before adding the fresh coleslaw mix. This method preserves the meat’s flavor while ensuring the vegetables retain their essential crunch.
Final Assembly Timeline
| Component | Advance Prep Time | Storage Method | Final Cook Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shredded vegetables | 1-2 days ahead | Sealed bags, refrigerated | 3-4 minutes |
| Sauce mixture | Up to 2 weeks | Sealed container, refrigerated | No additional cooking |
| Cooked ground beef | Up to 3 days | Covered container, refrigerated | 2-3 minutes reheating |
We always combine the reheated ground beef with fresh coleslaw mix at serving time. This approach delivers the perfect balance of warm seasoned meat and crisp vegetables that makes this dish so satisfying. The final sauté takes only minutes when your components are properly prepped.
Storage Tips
We understand how important proper storage is for maintaining the quality and safety of our ground beef coleslaw dish. Our experience shows that following exact storage guidelines helps preserve both flavor and texture for maximum enjoyment.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover ground beef coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will maintain quality for 2 to 3 days. We recommend transferring the dish to a sealed container immediately after it cools to room temperature. The cabbage and other vegetables will naturally soften over time and may become less crispy, but the savory flavors remain delicious throughout the storage period.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for approximately 1 minute, checking and stirring halfway through for even warming. For larger quantities, we suggest using a skillet over low heat until the dish is heated through completely. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the best possible texture without overcooking the vegetables.
Freezing Considerations
We strongly advise against freezing ground beef coleslaw dishes. Freezing causes the cabbage and other vegetables to lose their desirable texture and become mushy upon thawing. Also, excess water releases during the thawing process, which dilutes the seasonings and significantly affects the overall quality of the dish.
| Storage Method | Duration | Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 2-3 days | Vegetables soften but flavors remain good |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended | Food safety concerns |
| Freezing | Not recommended | Texture becomes mushy, water dilutes flavors |
Maintaining Freshness
Keep the storage container tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss and contamination. We find that storing the dish in shallow containers allows for more even cooling and reheating. Label containers with the preparation date to track freshness and ensure food safety standards.
Serving Suggestions
We love how versatile this ground beef coleslaw recipe becomes when paired with the right accompaniments. The dish works beautifully as a standalone low-carb meal that satisfies your craving for both protein and vegetables in one bowl.
For those following keto or paleo diets, we recommend serving this hot as your main course alongside simple steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. The savory, spicy, and tangy flavors complement mild vegetables perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Transform your ground beef coleslaw into an interactive meal by using it as a filling for butter lettuce cups. We find that the crisp lettuce adds extra freshness and crunch while creating a fun handheld option for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Rice lovers can enjoy this dish over steamed jasmine or brown rice when carb restrictions aren’t a concern. The flavorful beef mixture creates an excellent sauce that coats the grains beautifully.
We always garnish our servings with extra sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of additional sriracha on the side allows each person to customize their heat level.
Consider preparing a simple comeback sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sriracha, and tamari sauce for those who prefer a creamy element. This optional sauce works as both a drizzle over the dish and a dipping sauce for lettuce wraps.
The recipe scales beautifully for meal prep containers, making it perfect for work lunches throughout the week. We portion individual servings into glass containers and reheat them quickly in the microwave when ready to eat.
For dinner parties, we serve this dish family-style in a large bowl with small individual bowls and chopsticks for an casual Asian-inspired presentation that encourages sharing and conversation.
Recipe Variations
Our ground beef coleslaw recipe adapts beautifully to different flavor preferences and dietary needs. We’ve developed three distinct variations that transform this versatile dish into exciting new meal options.
Spicy Ground Beef Coleslaw
This fiery version elevates our base recipe with bold heat and creamy textures. We incorporate sriracha directly into the ground beef mixture while cooking and add chili flakes for extra warmth. Fresh garlic and ground ginger create an aromatic foundation that complements the spicy elements perfectly.
Our secret lies in the comeback sauce we drizzle over the finished dish. We whisk together mayonnaise with additional sriracha and a splash of tamari sauce for depth. The creamy sauce balances the heat while adding richness to every bite.
Sesame oil replaces regular cooking oil in this variation and infuses the entire dish with nutty undertones. We find that cooking the beef with these bold seasonings creates layers of flavor that penetrate both the meat and vegetables.
Asian-Style Ground Beef Coleslaw
We transform our recipe into an Asian-inspired stir fry with toasted sesame oil and traditional seasonings. Fresh ginger and garlic form the aromatic base while soy sauce and rice vinegar create the perfect balance of umami and tang.
Green onions join the mix during cooking and provide mild onion flavor without overwhelming heat. We finish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds for authentic Asian flair. The rice vinegar brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the beef.
This variation cooks quickly like a traditional stir fry and maintains the crisp texture of the cabbage. We recommend serving it immediately while the vegetables retain their crunch and the flavors remain vibrant.
Low-Carb Ground Beef Coleslaw
Our keto-friendly version focuses on eliminating unnecessary carbohydrates while maximizing flavor. We use plain coleslaw mix or shred fresh cabbage ourselves to avoid added sugars often found in pre-made varieties.
The seasoning blend relies on soy sauce for saltiness and sriracha for heat without any sugar-based sauces. Green onions provide freshness while red pepper flakes add controllable spice levels. We cook this version with minimal oil to keep calories in check.
| Nutritional Benefits | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Net Carbs | 4-6 grams |
| Protein | 22-25 grams |
| Total Fat | 15-18 grams |
| Fiber | 3-4 grams |
This variation takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and fits perfectly into ketogenic and low-carb meal plans. We recommend pairing it with avocado slices or serving it in lettuce cups for additional healthy fats and crunch.
Nutritional Information
Our ground beef coleslaw recipe delivers impressive nutritional value while maintaining delicious flavors that satisfy your comfort food cravings. Each serving provides substantial protein content alongside essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.
The complete nutritional breakdown per serving demonstrates the balanced nature of this dish:
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380-460 kcal | 19-23% |
| Total Fat | 18-29 g | 28-45% |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g | 55% |
| Protein | 21-36 g | 42-72% |
| Carbohydrates | 12-31 g | 4-10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 14% |
| Sugars | 4.3 g | – |
| Sodium | 353 mg | 15% |
| Vitamin A | 29-65% DV | – |
| Vitamin C | 66% DV | – |
| Iron | 14% DV | – |
We recommend using 85% lean ground beef to achieve optimal nutritional balance without compromising taste. This lean protein choice provides approximately 21-36 grams of protein per serving while keeping saturated fat levels reasonable.
The coleslaw mix contributes important amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C to our recipe. Fresh cabbage and carrots deliver 66% of your daily vitamin C needs and up to 65% of vitamin A requirements. These vegetables also provide dietary fiber that supports digestive health.
Our Asian-inspired seasonings add minimal calories while improving flavor profiles significantly. Toasted sesame oil contributes healthy fats, while soy sauce and sriracha provide bold taste without excessive sodium when used in measured amounts.
The low carbohydrate content makes this recipe suitable for keto and low-carb diets. With only 12-31 grams of carbohydrates per serving, we can easily fit this dish into various eating plans while maintaining satisfying portion sizes.
We can adjust the nutritional profile by modifying ingredient proportions based on dietary preferences. Using leaner ground beef reduces fat content, while adding extra vegetables increases fiber and vitamin content without significantly impacting calories.
Conclusion
This ground beef coleslaw recipe proves that innovative comfort food can be both simple and satisfying. We’ve shown you how to create a nutritious one-bowl meal that delivers on flavor while keeping preparation time minimal.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick weeknight dinner solution this dish adapts perfectly to your schedule. The combination of seasoned ground beef and crisp vegetables offers the perfect balance of protein and nutrients.
We encourage you to experiment with the variations we’ve shared and make this recipe your own. With its impressive nutritional profile and crowd-pleasing taste this ground beef coleslaw is destined to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make ground beef coleslaw?
This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. The quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast. Most of the time is spent cooking the ground beef and briefly sautéing the coleslaw mix.
Can I make ground beef coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Shred fresh cabbage and carrots, store sauce components for up to 2 weeks, and cook ground beef up to 3 days ahead. Final assembly takes only a few minutes for a perfect balance of warm meat and crisp vegetables.
How should I store leftover ground beef coleslaw?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Transfer to a sealed container immediately after cooling. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 minute or warm larger quantities in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture.
What kitchen equipment do I need for this recipe?
You’ll need basic kitchen tools: a large nonstick skillet, rubber spatula or wooden spoon, sharp knife and cutting board, measuring spoons, and a large mixing bowl. The recipe’s simplicity ensures you can create this delicious meal with standard kitchen equipment.
Is ground beef coleslaw suitable for special diets?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Each serving provides 21-36 grams of protein with minimal carbohydrates. The dish offers essential vitamins A and C from fresh vegetables, plus dietary fiber for digestive health, making it suitable for various dietary plans.
How can I serve ground beef coleslaw?
This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a standalone low-carb meal, served in butter lettuce cups, or over steamed rice. Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for keto diets. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and add sriracha for customizable heat levels.
Can I freeze ground beef coleslaw?
Freezing is not recommended as it can lead to mushy vegetables and diluted flavors. The fresh coleslaw mix loses its crisp texture when frozen and thawed. For best results, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
What are some variations of this recipe?
The article features three variations: Spicy Ground Beef Coleslaw with sriracha and chili flakes, Asian-Style with toasted sesame oil and cilantro, and Low-Carb version for keto diets. Each variation maintains the quick 20-minute preparation time while offering unique flavor profiles.
