Easy Beef Egg Roll Bowl : 20 Minute One-Pan Dinner Recipe

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Are you tired of the same old ground beef recipes? Looking for a dinner that’s quick, delicious, and healthier than takeout? This Easy Beef Egg Roll Bowl is about to become your new weeknight hero! With all the savory, ginger-soy flavors of traditional egg rolls but without the frying or rolling, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes using one pan. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving Asian-inspired flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or order expensive takeout.

What makes this dish so incredible is its simplicity. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now, and the cooking process is so straightforward that even beginner cooks can nail it on their first try. The combination of seasoned ground beef, crispy coleslaw, and aromatic Asian seasonings creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Egg Roll Bowl

This recipe has earned its place in my weekly rotation for so many reasons. First, it’s ridiculously fast – from start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes of active cooking time. That makes it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly. Second, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup (always a win in my book!). Third, it’s incredibly budget-friendly – ground beef and coleslaw mix are affordable staples that stretch far, making this an economical choice for families.

Beyond the practical benefits, this dish is genuinely delicious. The savory umami from the soy sauce, the subtle heat from red pepper flakes, the aromatic punch from ginger and garlic – every bite is packed with flavor. The coleslaw adds a satisfying crunch that mimics the texture of traditional egg roll wrappers, while the beef provides hearty protein to keep you full. It’s comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy or guilty afterward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are. You won’t need to hunt down exotic items at specialty stores – most of these are pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious bowl:

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible! If you don’t have ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. For a lighter option, ground chicken or turkey works beautifully and absorbs the Asian seasonings wonderfully. Vegetarians can substitute crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternatives. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Don’t have coleslaw mix? No problem! Simply shred your own cabbage using a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board. You can even add shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition. The dried ground ginger can be replaced with fresh ginger for a more vibrant, zingy flavor – just grate it finely using a microplane or grater.

Equipment Needed

This recipe requires minimal equipment, which is part of its beauty. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large skillet or wok – Essential for cooking everything in one pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and breaking up the beef
• Chef’s knife – For mincing garlic and chopping garnishes
• Cutting board – For prep work
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
• Serving bowls – For presenting your delicious creation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect egg roll bowl. The process is straightforward and beginner-friendly!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains visible, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease in the pan (this depends on the fat content of your beef), you can drain it off at this point for a leaner dish.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once your beef is perfectly browned, it’s time to add the flavor builders! Add the minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of dried ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes directly to the pan. Stir everything together and let it sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the aromatic garlic and ginger perfuming your kitchen. This step is crucial because it releases the essential oils and flavors from these ingredients, infusing the entire dish with their wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Now comes the magic! Pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce (or tamari if you prefer gluten-free), 1 Tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir well to combine everything evenly. The beef will absorb these flavors beautifully, creating that signature Asian-inspired taste. The soy sauce provides salty umami depth, the rice vinegar adds brightness and tang, and the sesame oil contributes a nutty, toasted flavor that ties everything together perfectly.

Step 4: Add the Coleslaw

Time to bulk up your bowl! Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix to the skillet. Using your kitchen utensils, toss the cabbage mixture with the seasoned beef, ensuring everything is well combined. Continue cooking for just 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to wilt slightly and heat through, but still maintain some crunch. Overcooking will make it mushy, so keep an eye on the texture. The cabbage will reduce in volume significantly, absorbing all those delicious flavors from the beef and seasonings.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your egg roll bowl is ready! Using a large spoon, divide the mixture into individual serving bowls. Top each portion with a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce if you like heat, and sprinkle with freshly sliced scallions for color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while it’s hot and steaming. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches!

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that ensure perfect results every time:

Don’t overcook the cabbage: The key to a great egg roll bowl is keeping some texture in your coleslaw. It should be slightly wilted but still have a satisfying crunch. Overcooked cabbage becomes soggy and loses its appeal.

Use high heat strategically: When browning your beef, don’t be afraid of medium-high heat. This creates better caramelization and flavor development. Just be sure to lower it when adding the garlic to prevent burning.

Fresh ginger makes a difference: While dried ground ginger works well, fresh grated ginger takes this dish to the next level. If you have it available, definitely use it!

Prep everything first: Since this recipe cooks quickly, have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Adjust seasonings to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste before serving and adjust with additional soy sauce, salt, or pepper flakes as needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this egg roll bowl is satisfying on its own, you can elevate it with various additions and sides:

• Serve over cauliflower rice or regular rice for a more substantial meal
• Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch and healthy fats
• Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and richness
• Serve with egg roll wrappers or wonton chips on the side for scooping
• Pair with Asian cucumber salad or kimchi for a complete meal
• Drizzle with additional sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This recipe makes excellent meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, use your skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Nutritional Benefits

This egg roll bowl isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious! Ground beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins essential for energy production. The cabbage in the coleslaw mix is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It’s also rich in antioxidants and supports digestive health. By skipping the fried wrapper and keeping the recipe simple, you’re getting all the flavor of traditional egg rolls with a fraction of the calories and unhealthy fats.

For those watching their carb intake, this dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. One serving contains approximately 15-20g of carbohydrates (mostly from the vegetables), making it suitable for most low-carb eating plans. If you’re using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, you’ll add a few extra grams of carbs but gain a slightly sweeter, less salty flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can brown the beef and prep the seasonings up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooked beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in your skillet and add the fresh coleslaw mix. This cuts your dinner prep time down to just 5-10 minutes on busy nights.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, both of which are gluten-free alternatives. Make sure to check the labels on your dried ground ginger and other seasonings to ensure they haven’t been processed in facilities that handle gluten.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this egg roll bowl freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in your skillet. Note that the cabbage texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to get creative! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, and bean sprouts all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just add them when you add the coleslaw mix. If using harder vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, you might want to add them a minute or two earlier to ensure they soften properly.

How can I make this spicier?

Love heat? Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more, add diced fresh jalapeños with the garlic, or stir in some chili garlic sauce along with the soy sauce. You can also serve with extra sriracha or sambal oelek on the side for those who want to customize their heat level.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Definitely! Ground turkey and ground chicken are excellent substitutes. They’re leaner than beef and absorb the Asian seasonings beautifully. Just be aware that they can dry out more easily, so you might want to add a tablespoon of water or extra soy sauce during cooking to keep everything moist.

What’s the best type of soy sauce to use?

Regular or low-sodium soy sauce both work great. If you’re watching your sodium intake, definitely opt for low-sodium and adjust the seasoning as needed. Dark soy sauce will give you a richer, slightly sweeter flavor, while light soy sauce is saltier and more delicate.

Do I need to use sesame oil?

While it’s not absolutely necessary, sesame oil adds an authentic, nutty flavor that’s hard to replicate. A little goes a long way – just 1/2 teaspoon makes a noticeable difference. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but I highly recommend keeping a bottle in your pantry for Asian-inspired recipes.

Conclusion

This Easy Beef Egg Roll Bowl proves that delicious, satisfying dinners don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just one pan, basic ingredients, and 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your whole family will love. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights, meal prep, and those times when I’m craving takeout but want something healthier and more budget-friendly.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – make it your own by adjusting the heat level, swapping proteins, or adding your favorite vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this egg roll bowl delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience every single time. Save this recipe, give it a try, and watch it become a regular star in your dinner rotation!

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Easy Beef Egg Roll Bowl : 20 Minute One-Pan Dinner Recipe

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Craving takeout? This Easy Beef Egg Roll Bowl delivers all the savory flavors of traditional egg rolls without the frying! Ready in just 20 minutes with one pan, it’s the perfect healthy weeknight dinner using simple ingredients like ground beef, coleslaw mix, and Asian seasonings. Low-carb, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious!

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 20
• Yield: 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-American

Ingredients

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 lb lean ground beef

1 minced garlic clove

1 teaspoon dried ground ginger (or 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger or ginger paste)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (can substitute coconut aminos, but may need to add salt to taste at the end)

1 Tablespoon rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

one 12–16 oz bag coleslaw mix

sriracha or other hot sauce, sliced scallions for serving, if desired

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 teaspoon coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking up as it cooks. Drain excess grease, if desired.

2. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and saute for a minute or two.

3. Stir in 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari, 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.

4. Add one 12-16 oz bag coleslaw mix and stir in until heated through and slightly wilted, which should take just another three or four minutes.

5. Spoon into bowls and serve with sriracha or other hot sauce, sliced scallions, if desired.

Notes

Use 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef for best results. Leaner beef may be drier.

Fresh grated ginger provides brighter flavor than dried, but both work well.

Don’t overcook the cabbage – keep it slightly crunchy for best texture.

For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef.

Stores well in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezes for up to 3 months.

Serve over cauliflower rice or regular rice for a heartier meal.