This quick and flavorful one-pan stir-fry gives me all the delicious flavors of a classic egg roll—without the wrapper or deep frying. With savory ground beef, crisp-tender veggies, and a perfectly seasoned sauce, this deconstructed version is packed with Asian-inspired goodness and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this dish is to prepare with minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan method. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and totally satisfying, all while being low in carbs and naturally gluten-free (with tamari instead of soy sauce). I also appreciate how versatile it is—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even lunch leftovers. It’s comfort food without the fuss and always a crowd-pleaser at my table.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1½ pounds ground beef
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1 large onion, finely diced
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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2 tablespoons sesame oil
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½ cup finely shredded carrots
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16 ounces coleslaw mix
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1½ teaspoons ground ginger
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½ to ¾ cup low‑sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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I cook the ground beef in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat until it's no longer pink. I like to keep the pieces a bit larger for texture.
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After draining the excess grease, I return the skillet to the heat and stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
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I add the sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix. Using tongs, I combine everything and sauté it all for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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While that cooks, I whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil in a small bowl.
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I pour the sauce over the beef and veggie mixture, reduce the heat, and let it all cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
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I serve it hot, garnished with green onions if I have them on hand.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
I often switch things up depending on what I have in my kitchen. Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I’ve also made a vegetarian version with crumbled tofu or tempeh. If I want extra heat, I add a bit more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha. And for a low-carb twist, I’ve tossed in cauliflower rice at the end—it soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, I just toss a portion into a skillet over medium heat and stir until warmed through—about 3–5 minutes. It also reheats well in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. I avoid freezing it, as the cabbage tends to get mushy when thawed.
FAQs
What type of ground meat works best for this recipe?
I typically use ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken work great too.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. I’ve made it vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or a meat substitute. Just adjust the seasonings to taste.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting soggy?
I sauté the veggies just until tender-crisp and avoid overcooking them. Using high heat and stirring frequently helps maintain their crunch.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, especially if I keep the soy sauce minimal and skip any added sugars. I often pair it with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Definitely. I sometimes pre-chop the veggies and mix the sauce ingredients in advance, storing them in the fridge. Then, when it’s time to cook, everything comes together quickly.
Conclusion
Egg Roll in a Bowl is one of those recipes I find myself turning to again and again. It’s fast, flexible, and packed with flavor—all with minimal cleanup. Whether I’m feeding my family on a busy night or prepping lunches for the week, this dish always delivers.

Egg Roll in a Bowl (One-Pan Stir-Fry)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop stir‑fry
- Cuisine: Asian‑inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and flavorful one‑pan, Asian‑inspired stir‑fry that deconstructs the flavors of an egg roll—savory ground beef and crisp veggies in a seasoned sauce—without the wrapper or frying.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ cup finely shredded carrots
- 16 ounces coleslaw mix
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ to ¾ cup low‑sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large, deep‑sided skillet over medium heat until no longer pink; keep the pieces larger for texture.
- Drain excess grease, then return skillet to heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add sesame oil, shredded carrots, and coleslaw mix; use tongs to combine, and sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are tender‑crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and veggies, reduce heat, and cook for about another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Notes
- Keep the pan a bit cooler when adding garlic to avoid burning it—burnt garlic tastes bitter.
- Use pre‑shredded carrots and coleslaw mix to save time.
- Rubbing spices together in your palms or using a mortar and pestle before adding can enhance their flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately ⅙th recipe
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 866 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
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