Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw: A Flavorful & Healthy Weeknight Meal

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s also packed with nutrients? Look no further than this Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw! This recipe combines the savory richness of ground beef with the vibrant, fresh flavors of ginger and sesame, all tossed together with a crisp and colorful slaw mix. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a satisfying lunch. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this flavourful and healthy dish!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time but still craving a wholesome meal.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering umami flavor that’s hard to resist. The sweetness of the honey and the slight kick of red pepper flakes add depth and complexity.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron, while the slaw mix is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This is a meal you can feel good about eating.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily customizable. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, adjust the spice level to your liking, or add other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** The slaw holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply store the beef mixture and slaw separately, and combine them when you’re ready to eat.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw:

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound of ground beef, preferably lean (85/15) to minimize excess grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
* **Slaw Mix:** 1 (16-ounce) bag of coleslaw mix. This usually contains shredded cabbage, carrots, and sometimes red cabbage.
* **Sesame Oil:** 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, divided. Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish. Use toasted sesame oil for a more intense flavor.
* **Fresh Ginger:** 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger. Fresh ginger is crucial for the authentic flavor of this dish. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
* **Garlic:** 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the dish.
* **Soy Sauce:** ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content of the dish. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons of honey. Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess to the dish.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or more to taste. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Green Onions:** 2 green onions, thinly sliced. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, for garnish. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped peanuts or cashews, sriracha, extra soy sauce.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Add Aromatics**

* Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is crucial for releasing the flavors of the ginger and garlic.

**Step 3: Make the Sauce**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
* Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

**Step 4: Simmer the Sauce**

* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more complex taste.

**Step 5: Assemble the Slaw**

* In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
* Pour the cooked ground beef mixture over the slaw mix.
* Toss everything together until the slaw is evenly coated with the sauce.

**Step 6: Garnish and Serve**

* Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
* Serve immediately. You can also serve it warm or at room temperature.
* Optional: Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch, a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat, or a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Lean Ground Beef:** This will help prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. If you’re using regular ground beef, be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning it.
* **Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef:** Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and no longer pink.
* **Grate the Ginger Finely:** This will ensure that the ginger flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
* **Adjust the Spice Level to Your Liking:** If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and add more to taste.
* **Don’t Overdress the Slaw:** Adding the ground beef mixture to the slaw right before serving will prevent the slaw from becoming soggy. If you’re making this ahead of time, store the ground beef mixture and slaw separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the slaw, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or edamame.
* **Serve with Different Toppings:** Experiment with different toppings to customize the dish to your liking. Some ideas include chopped peanuts, cashews, sriracha, avocado, or a fried egg.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

* **Ground Turkey or Chicken:** Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of substitute you use.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Low-Carb/Keto:** Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia instead of honey. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli slaw or cauliflower rice to bulk up the slaw without adding carbs.
* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a minced jalapeño pepper to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
* **Sweet:** Add more honey or a touch of brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
* **Different Vinegars:** Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Nuts:** Adding peanuts, cashews, almonds or walnuts will provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch

## Serving Suggestions

This Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw is delicious on its own, but it can also be served in a variety of other ways:

* **Lettuce Wraps:** Serve the slaw in crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Rice Bowls:** Serve the slaw over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
* **Noodle Bowls:** Serve the slaw over a bed of rice noodles or ramen noodles.
* **Tacos or Burritos:** Use the slaw as a filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Salad Topping:** Top a green salad with the slaw for a flavorful and nutritious addition.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the ground beef mixture and slaw separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the two and garnish as desired.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The slaw may become slightly softer over time, but it will still be delicious.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 400-450
* Protein: 30-35 grams
* Fat: 20-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Recipe Card

**Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw**

A quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal featuring ground beef, coleslaw mix, sesame oil, ginger, and a delicious sauce.

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef (lean)
* 1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw mix
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
* 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
* 2 green onions, thinly sliced
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
* Optional garnishes: Chopped peanuts or cashews, sriracha

**Instructions:**

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the ginger and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the ground beef mixture and stir to combine.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
6. Pour the cooked ground beef mixture over the slaw mix and toss to combine.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately or chill for later.

**Notes:**

* Use lean ground beef to minimize excess grease.
* Adjust the spice level to your liking.
* This recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to add other vegetables or toppings.

## Conclusion

This Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw is a winner! It’s quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution, a satisfying lunch, or a meal prep staple, this recipe has got you covered. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love! Enjoy!