Cabbage Beef Bake

Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole that combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted cheese.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, offering a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and satisfying flavors. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the chopped cabbage for 3–4 minutes, then drain. Alternatively, sauté the cabbage in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil until slightly softened.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cabbage on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the cabbage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture.
   • If using rice, add a layer of cooked rice between the cabbage and beef layers.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a standalone meal or with a side of crusty bread.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Total Time

55 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 6)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

Expert Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Rice-Free Option: For a low-carb version, skip the rice and use extra cabbage or diced zucchini.
• Cheese Variations: Try using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze cabbage beef bake?
Yes, freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.
• Add Veggies: Include chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Cabbage Beef Bake

Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole that combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce topped with melted cheese.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• **For the Casserole:**
• - 1 lb ground beef
• - 1 small onion diced
• - 2 garlic cloves minced
• - 1 medium head of cabbage chopped
• - 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• - 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
• - 1 teaspoon paprika
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1 cup cooked white or brown rice optional
• **For the Topping:**
• - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Equipment

• - Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• - Wooden spoon or spatula
• - Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. **Prepare the Beef Mixture:**
2. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
4. - Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. **Prepare the Cabbage:**
6. - In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the chopped cabbage for 3–4 minutes, then drain. Alternatively, sauté the cabbage in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil until slightly softened.
7. **Assemble the Casserole:**
8. - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cabbage on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the cabbage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture.
9. - If using rice, add a layer of cooked rice between the cabbage and beef layers.
10. **Bake the Casserole:**
11. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. - Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. **Serve:**
14. - Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a standalone meal or with a side of crusty bread.