Chef Emma here, and I’m about to share the 20-minute dinner that rescued me from the Tuesday night takeout trap!
When I first discovered egg roll in a bowl, I was skeptical. Could a deconstructed egg roll really satisfy that craving for crispy, savory Chinese takeout? But after making this one-pan wonder countless times, I can confidently say it’s become one of my most-requested weeknight meals. My kids call it “inside-out egg rolls,” and they’ve never once asked for the fried version back!
The brilliance of this ground beef egg roll bowl is how it captures all the best flavors of traditional egg rolls—savory meat, crunchy cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce—without any of the hassle. No wrappers to fold, no oil to heat, no deep frying mess. Just one pan, simple ingredients, and 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s healthy comfort food at its finest.
What makes this recipe so special is how it solves the eternal dinner dilemma: fast but healthy, easy but delicious, satisfying but not heavy. The cabbage provides tons of volume and nutrition without many calories. The ground beef brings protein and richness. The Asian-inspired sauce ties everything together with those addictive sweet-salty-savory flavors we all crave.
I’ve tweaked this recipe over dozens of attempts to get it just right—the perfect ratio of meat to vegetables, the ideal seasoning balance, the best cooking method for tender-crisp cabbage. This version consistently earns rave reviews from my family and friends, and I think it’ll quickly become your weeknight hero too.
For more quick Asian-inspired dinners, check out The Kitchn’s collection of easy stir-fry recipes, or explore Natasha’s Kitchen’s simple one-pan meals that actually taste like takeout.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
One-Pan Wonder
Everything cooks in one large skillet—no separate pots, pans, or complicated steps. Less cleanup means more time with your family!
20-Minute Meal
From fridge to table in 20 minutes flat. Perfect for those chaotic weeknights when everyone’s hungry NOW.
Healthy Without Compromise
Packed with vegetables and lean protein but tastes indulgent. All the flavor of egg rolls with a fraction of the calories and carbs.
Naturally Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly
With cabbage as the base instead of wrappers or rice, this is naturally low in carbs. Perfect for keto, Whole30, or paleo diets!
Budget-Friendly
Ground beef, cabbage, and pantry staples make this incredibly affordable. Feeds a family for less than takeout costs!
Meal Prep Champion
Makes great leftovers that reheat beautifully. Double the batch and have lunches ready for days!
Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl (Healthy + Fast)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sweetener if using. Set aside.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small crumbles, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Push browned beef to sides of skillet. Add olive oil to center if beef was very lean. Add diced onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger. Cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add entire bag of coleslaw mix to skillet. Stir to combine with beef mixture.
- Pour prepared sauce over everything. Toss to coat evenly. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasonings—add more soy sauce, sriracha, or vinegar as desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in half the sliced green onions.
- Transfer to serving bowls. Top with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately!
- Serve over cauliflower rice, white rice, brown rice, or enjoy as-is!
Notes
Ingredients For Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Main Components
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean works great) – Or ground turkey, pork, or chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil – For cooking
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that authentic flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced – Or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 14-16 oz coleslaw mix (1 bag) – Cabbage and carrots pre-shredded for convenience
- 2 green onions, sliced – For garnish and fresh flavor
Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Adds nutty, authentic Asian flavor
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Brightens everything up
- 1 teaspoon sriracha – Adjust to your heat preference
- 1 teaspoon sweetener (optional) – Honey, brown sugar, or monk fruit
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt – Or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
Garnishes & Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Additional green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Equipment Needed
- Large deep skillet or wok (12-inch works perfectly)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
Directions For Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Step 1: Prepare Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sweetener if using.
Set aside. Having the sauce ready makes cooking smooth and fast!
Step 2: Brown Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a tablespoon or two for flavor.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
Push the browned beef to the sides of the skillet. Add olive oil to the center if your beef was very lean.
Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet.
Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Don’t let them burn—they cook quickly!
Step 5: Add Coleslaw Mix
Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet.
It will seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down significantly! Stir everything together to combine.
Step 6: Pour Sauce and Cook
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture.
Toss everything together to coat evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender-crisp. Don’t overcook—you want some texture!
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add more soy sauce for saltiness, sriracha for heat, or vinegar for brightness. This is your chance to make it perfect!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in half the sliced green onions.
Transfer to serving bowls, top with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot!
Tips for Perfect Egg Roll Bowl
Chef Emma’s Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: Tender-crisp is perfect. Mushy cabbage isn’t appetizing. Start checking at 5 minutes!
- Use fresh ginger: Fresh ginger tastes significantly better than ground. It’s worth the extra 30 seconds to mince!
- Drain fat strategically: Leave a little fat for flavor, but drain excess to avoid greasiness.
- High heat is key: Medium-high heat ensures good browning on the beef and quick cooking for crisp vegetables.
- Prep everything first: Mise en place! Have everything chopped and measured before you start cooking. This recipe moves fast!
- Let it rest a minute: After cooking, let it sit for 1-2 minutes. The flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking cabbage: It gets mushy and unappetizing. Aim for tender but still slightly crisp.
Not draining fatty beef: If your beef is higher fat (80/20), definitely drain most of the fat or your bowl will be greasy.
Skipping the ginger: Ginger is essential for authentic egg roll flavor. Don’t skip it!
Using too much soy sauce: Start with the recipe amount and add more to taste. It’s easier to add than remove!
Crowding the pan: Use a large skillet so everything cooks evenly without steaming.
Delicious Variations For Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Protein Swaps
Ground Turkey: Leaner option, just as delicious
Ground Pork: Most traditional for egg rolls
Ground Chicken: Light and healthy
Shrimp: Diced shrimp for a seafood version
Tofu: Crumbled extra-firm tofu for vegetarian
Leftover Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded for super quick
Vegetable Additions
Add 1-2 cups of:
- Shredded carrots (extra)
- Bell peppers, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Snow peas
- Water chestnuts for crunch
- Bean sprouts
- Baby bok choy, chopped
Flavor Variations
Spicy: Double the sriracha and add red pepper flakes
Sweet: Add 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Thai-Inspired: Add lime juice, fish sauce, and basil
Teriyaki: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce
Korean: Add gochujang and Korean chili flakes
Serving Options
Over Rice: Serve over cauliflower rice, white rice, or brown rice
Over Noodles: Serve over rice noodles or shirataki noodles
In Lettuce Cups: Use butter lettuce for wraps
With Wontons: Serve with crispy wonton strips on top
In Meal Prep Bowls: Portion into containers with rice
Serving Suggestions
This egg roll in a bowl pairs perfectly with:
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb option
- Brown rice for whole grain goodness
- White rice for classic pairing
- Fried rice for extra indulgence
- Asian cucumber salad for crunch and freshness
- Egg drop soup as a starter
- Spring rolls (if you want more egg roll vibes!)
- Edamame as a side
Toppings Bar
Make it interactive with a toppings bar:
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts
- Crispy wonton strips
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sriracha
- Sweet chili sauce
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled egg roll bowl in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better!
Pro tip: Store separately from rice if you made rice. Keep vegetables and meat together.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze cooled egg roll bowl in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
To thaw: Thaw overnight in refrigerator or reheat from frozen.
Reheating Tips
Stovetop (Best Method): Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if dry.
Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meal Prep: Portion into individual containers. Microwave each portion for 2 minutes on high.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Night Before
- Chop onion, garlic, and ginger. Store in small container.
- Mix sauce ingredients. Store in jar or container.
- Brown ground beef if desired. Store covered.
Morning Of
Season beef, prep all vegetables, mix sauce. When dinner time comes, just cook!
Meal Prep Sunday
Make 2-3 batches and portion into containers with rice or cauliflower rice. You’ll have lunches ready for the week!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4, without rice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 315 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Net Carbs | 10g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on 4 servings using 85/15 ground beef. Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Nutritional Highlights
This healthy egg roll bowl delivers impressive nutrition without feeling like diet food! With 26g protein per serving, it’s filling and satisfying while keeping you energized.
The coleslaw mix provides nearly your entire daily vitamin C needs plus vitamin K and fiber. The cabbage is also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
At only 10g net carbs, this fits beautifully into low-carb, keto, Whole30, and paleo diets. Compare that to traditional egg rolls (30-40g carbs each!) or fried rice (50g+ carbs per serving).
The healthy fats from sesame oil provide omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E. This is genuinely nourishing food that happens to taste like indulgent takeout!
Diet-Friendly Options
Keto: Use this recipe as-is! 10g net carbs per serving
Whole30: Skip sweetener, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
Paleo: Same as Whole30 modifications
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce
Dairy-Free: Already dairy-free!
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce amount to taste
FAQ For Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground meat instead of beef. Cook the same way.
What’s the best ground meat to use?
Ground pork is most traditional for egg rolls. Ground beef is hearty and affordable. Ground turkey is lean. All work beautifully!
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! Shred about 4-5 cups cabbage and 1 cup carrots. Just adds a few minutes of prep time.
Is this spicy?
Not very! With 1 teaspoon sriracha, there’s just a mild kick. Omit for zero heat or add more for spice lovers.
Can kids eat this?
Yes! Most kids love this. Start with less sriracha or omit entirely for kid-friendly version.
How do I make this less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and start with less (¼ cup), adding more to taste. You can also dilute with water or broth.
Can I add eggs like fried rice?
Absolutely! Scramble 2 eggs in the pan before adding beef, then proceed with recipe. Adds protein and richness!
What can I serve this over?
Cauliflower rice (keto), white rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or eat it plain! It’s delicious any way.
Conclusion For Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl
This ground beef egg roll in a bowl proves that healthy weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring, complicated, or time-consuming. In just 20 minutes with one pan, you can have a restaurant-quality meal that’s actually better for you than takeout.
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count—on busy Tuesdays when everyone has activities, on lazy Sundays when I want comfort food without the guilt, for meal prep when I need lunches sorted, and even for casual dinner parties where it always impresses. It’s become one of those reliable recipes I don’t even need to think about anymore.
What I love most is how this recipe makes healthy eating feel effortless and delicious. My kids genuinely prefer this to regular egg rolls, my husband can’t believe it’s “diet food,” and I appreciate how it uses simple ingredients I always have on hand. It’s a true win-win-win.
Whether you’re following keto, trying to eat more vegetables, looking for quick healthy dinners, or just want something that tastes like your favorite takeout without the delivery fee, this egg roll bowl delivers on every level.
So grab that pound of ground beef, that bag of coleslaw mix, and get ready to make your new favorite weeknight dinner. This healthy egg roll bowl is about to become your secret weapon against the takeout trap!
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