Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl gives you all the flavors of takeout egg rolls without the wrapper or the wait. Ground beef, crisp cabbage, and bold Asian-inspired seasonings come together in one pan for a dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

I discovered this recipe during a week when I was trying to eat better but still craving Chinese takeout. Instead of ordering in, I threw together what I had: ground beef, a head of cabbage, and some basic pantry staples. Twenty minutes later, I had this incredible egg roll in a bowl that satisfied my craving completely. Now it’s my go-to for busy nights when I want something healthy that actually tastes good. The cabbage gets just tender enough while keeping some crunch, and the ginger and soy sauce make it taste like the real thing.

Everything You Need for Egg Roll Bowl

Pro tip: I use a food processor to shred my cabbage and carrots quickly. It saves so much time and makes cleanup easier when you’re in a rush.

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• ½ medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or coarsely grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion (optional, for garnish)
• ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

I always keep coleslaw mix in my fridge because it’s a perfect shortcut for this recipe. Just grab a bag and skip the slicing entirely.

How to Make Your Egg Roll Bowl

I recommend prepping everything before you start cooking because this egg roll in a bowl comes together fast once the pan heats up.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. You want the beef nicely browned with some crispy edges. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Stir in the diced onion and grated carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the carrot starts to soften.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t walk away during this step.

Step 4: Add the sliced cabbage, ground ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to the skillet. Toss everything together and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. The cabbage should wilt and become tender but still have a bit of crunch. Don’t overcook it or you’ll lose that nice texture.

Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sometimes I add a bit more soy sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot.

Delicious Ways to Serve Egg Roll Bowl

This egg roll in a bowl is incredibly versatile and works with lots of different serving styles.

Cauliflower rice: Keeps the meal low-carb while adding volume and soaking up all that delicious sauce. Perfect if you’re watching carbs.

Steamed white rice: Traditional and comforting, white rice turns this into a more filling meal that satisfies bigger appetites.

Lettuce wraps: Scoop the mixture into butter lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on meal that’s still low-carb and refreshing.

Fried egg on top: A runny yolk adds richness and extra protein, making this the best way to serve egg roll bowl for breakfast or brunch.

Quinoa: Adds nutty flavor and makes the meal more substantial while boosting the fiber and protein content.

More Easy Ground Beef Dinners for Busy Weeknights

This Egg Roll in a Bowl brings Asian takeout flavors home with crisp cabbage and savory ground beef in just 15 minutes. When you’re craving different comfort food styles, try the creamy Creamy Beef and Shells for Italian-inspired satisfaction, or the rich Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni for an elegant weeknight pasta dinner.

Looking for ultimate comfort food indulgence? The Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes casserole delivers hearty satisfaction perfect for feeding hungry families, while the sophisticated Cheesy French Onion Meatballs with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere transforms simple ground beef into something special enough for company.

Storing Your Egg Roll in a Bowl

Store leftover egg roll in a bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better overnight as everything marinates together.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but I find skillet reheating gives you better texture. The cabbage won’t get as soggy.

Pro tip: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it into containers. It reheats beautifully and makes quick lunches or dinners all week long. You can freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, though the cabbage texture changes slightly when thawed.

Common Egg Roll Bowl Questions

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