If you crave something hearty, comforting, and just a little bit nostalgic, let me introduce you to your new favorite dinner hero: Cabbage Beef Bake. This irresistible casserole pairs savory ground beef with tender cabbage, sweet tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese for a seriously satisfying family meal. It’s the sort of dish that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing and practically guarantees clean plates all around. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, serving friends, or looking for freezer-friendly meal prep, Cabbage Beef Bake is both nourishing and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s chat about these simple, essential ingredients! Every item is chosen to bring bold flavor, hearty texture, and gorgeous color to the final dish. The magic here is how ordinary pantry basics join forces for that take-another-bite brilliance.
- Olive oil: Adds welcome richness and helps the beef brown beautifully without sticking.
- Ground beef: The savory backbone of the bake, bringing classic comfort and protein power.
- Onion: Diced onion mellows as it cooks and delivers a sweet, aromatic base note.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic gives a fragrant, punchy depth you don’t want to skip.
- Salt: Balances and heightens all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle warmth and savory bite throughout the casserole.
- Dried oregano: Lends an herby, almost Mediterranean lift to the whole mix.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and nice, warm color.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a hint of heat—totally adjustable for your crowd!
- Green cabbage: The star veggie, chopped for perfect tenderness and a slight sweetness as it bakes.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Brings juicy acidity and helps meld everything into saucy goodness.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and keeps the bake delightfully moist.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, perfect for that golden, bubbly top everyone loves.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Ensures ultimate gooey, stretchy cheese pulls with every serving.
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, giving every bit a golden sear. After about 6–7 minutes, the beef should be browned and crave-worthy. Browning here builds flavor that becomes the foundation of your Cabbage Beef Bake.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Now, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic (take a deep breath and enjoy that glorious aroma). Let them soften and turn slightly translucent, about 2–3 minutes. This step boosts the savory complexity and ensures every forkful is layered with flavor.
Step 3: Season It Up
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Stir everything together so every bite is perfectly spiced, making the Cabbage Beef Bake irresistibly tasty.
Step 4: Cabbage and Tomatoes Enter the Scene
Toss in the chopped cabbage, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Give it all a gentle stir, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes. The cabbage will soften but keep a touch of crunch, and the sauce will become savory and luscious.
Step 5: Build the Bake
Transfer the hearty mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now for the show-stopping moment: scatter the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. The combination creates that magical golden-crisp and melting layer that defines a great Cabbage Beef Bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. This locks in the steam, keeping the bake moist. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, so the cheese bubbles and browns to irresistible glory. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this makes slicing and serving so much easier.
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, scallions, or even a dash more black pepper right before serving makes your Cabbage Beef Bake truly pop. The bright green and extra burst of freshness pairs perfectly with the comforting, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair Cabbage Beef Bake with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette to keep things light and balanced. You can also serve it with fluffy rice or simple roasted potatoes if you want an even heartier plate. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up that saucy goodness!
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning the bake into ramekins for individual servings at a dinner party, or serve over steamed cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly twist. This dish is also wonderful stuffed into toasted pita bread or rolled inside tortillas for a playful lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Cabbage Beef Bake cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This bake actually tastes even better on Day 2 as the flavors continue to mingle!
Freezing
Need to prep ahead? Simply portion the cooled casserole into airtight, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for stress-free, wholesome dinners whenever you need them.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Individual servings can be microwaved (just be sure to cover to prevent splatters). A quick stir and a sprinkle of fresh cheese right before serving brings that just-baked magic back every time!
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a fantastic, lighter option for Cabbage Beef Bake. You’ll still get all the satisfaction with a little less fat, and the spices keep things just as flavorful.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, Cabbage Beef Bake fits beautifully into a keto lifestyle. It’s low in carbs and loaded with protein and good fats from the cheese and beef. Just double-check your tomato products for added sugars to keep it perfectly keto.
Can I prepare Cabbage Beef Bake in advance?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed. It makes busy weeknights so much easier!
What’s the best way to chop cabbage?
To avoid uneven pieces, first cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and slice into even shreds or bite-sized chunks. If you’re pressed for time, a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a speedy shortcut.
Can I add other vegetables?
Go for it! Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even baby spinach can be mixed in with the cabbage for extra nutrition and color. Just use what you have and make this Cabbage Beef Bake your own.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re longing for a meal that feels like a cozy kitchen hug, give Cabbage Beef Bake a try. It’s simple, adaptable, and just begging to become your new weeknight favorite. Gather your family, grab your casserole dish, and savor every cheesy, savory forkful!
Print
Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that combines ground beef, cabbage, and gooey melted cheeses. A comforting and satisfying casserole perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Beef Bake:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven and brown the beef: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brown ground beef in olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions, spices, and cabbage: Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix in cabbage, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer until cabbage is slightly tender.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake covered. Finish baking uncovered until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for quicker prep.
- This dish freezes well—cool completely before freezing in portions.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
