Cozy Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: A Hearty Family Favorite

Hearty cabbage beef bake promises comfort on chilly evenings when hunger strikes hard.

Layers of tender meat and crisp vegetables create a melody of flavors dancing across your plate.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet satisfying dish.

German culinary traditions inspire this rustic casserole that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich ground beef mingles with sliced cabbage, promising a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Packed with protein and wholesome goodness, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Every forkful tells a story of home-cooked happiness waiting to be savored.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Feels So Hearty And Filling

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this hearty Cabbage Beef Bake in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal without complex preparation.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Combines affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage into a delicious one-dish meal that stretches your grocery budget while delivering maximum flavor.
• Nutritious and Balanced Meal: Packed with protein from beef, vitamins from cabbage, and essential nutrients, this casserole provides a complete and wholesome dinner that keeps everyone full and nourished.
• Minimal Cleanup Comfort: Uses just one skillet and a baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze for home cooks looking to simplify their cooking routine.

Cabbage Beef Bake Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful main protein that gives the dish its rich, meaty foundation. Look for lean ground beef for less grease.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Cabbage, Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic vegetables that provide texture and layered savory notes. Choose fresh, crisp cabbage and firm onions.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and slight acidity to balance the meat's richness.

• Tomato Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Provides tangy and complex flavor layers. Worcestershire sauce brings umami depth.
• Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that create a robust and well-rounded seasoning profile.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, crispy surface with creamy texture. Cheddar or Mexican blend works well.

Steps To Prepare Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and start cooking your ground beef. Break it up into small crumbles as it sizzles. Once it’s beautifully browned, drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Let these flavor powerhouses dance around until the onions turn soft and glassy, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Welcome The Cabbage

Tumble in your chopped cabbage and let it mingle with the beef. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften and become tender.

Step 5: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to become best friends.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Slide the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and crown the top with a generous layer of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Then dive in and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!

Helpful Tips For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat by draining ground beef completely to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter, more appetizing texture.
• Slice Cabbage Uniformly: Cut cabbage into consistent, thin pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent some parts from being undercooked or overly mushy.
• Choose Cheese Wisely: Select a melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella that creates a golden, stretchy topping and enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Control Moisture Levels: Add beef broth gradually and avoid over-saturating the mixture to maintain the right consistency and prevent a watery bake.
• Customize Spice Blend: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or basil to personalize the dish's flavor and create a unique taste experience that suits your palate.

Cabbage Beef Bake Storage Tips That Work

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the Cabbage Beef Bake for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its delicious flavors intact.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the dish's texture.
• When reheating, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for added freshness and restore the melty goodness.
• Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid freezing this casserole, as the cabbage and cheese can become watery and lose their original texture when thawed.
• Pro tip: Always use clean utensils when storing to prevent bacterial growth and keep your leftovers safe and delicious.

What Goes Well With Cabbage Beef Bake

• Boost Flavor with Red Wine: Pair this hearty Cabbage Beef Bake with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the rich beef and smoky paprika notes.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad: Serve alongside a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Add a side of warm, crusty sourdough or rustic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety to the meal.
• Brighten with Pickled Vegetables: Include a small side of quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots to cut through the heaviness and add a bright, acidic punch to each bite.

Try These Variations Of Cabbage Beef Bake

• Spicy Southwestern Sensation: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap Worcestershire sauce with red wine, incorporate fresh basil and oregano, sprinkle feta cheese instead of shredded cheese, and add sliced kalamata olives.
• Korean-Inspired Beef Casserole: Mix in gochujang sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Replace shredded cheese with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Low-Carb Veggie Boost: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower rice, add extra bell peppers and zucchini, and use a low-fat cheese blend for a lighter version of the original recipe.

FAQs For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Yes! Cabbage is a fantastic low-carb vegetable, making this Cabbage Beef Bake perfect for those following keto or low-carbohydrate diets. The recipe is packed with protein and low in carbs.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground lamb work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure you brown the meat completely and drain excess fat for the best results.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the sautéing stage. These will boost the nutritional value and add more flavor and texture to your Cabbage Beef Bake.

• What if I'm lactose intolerant or want a dairy-free option?

Simply skip the cheese topping or use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. The dish will still be delicious and hearty without traditional cheese.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rustic flavors with simple, satisfying ingredients. Warm layers of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich seasonings promise a delicious meal perfect for family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring the cooking environment is ready for the hearty casserole.
2. In a spacious skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until the aromatics become soft and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Gently fold the chopped cabbage into the skillet, allowing it to soften and mingle with the seasoned meat for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
5. Enhance the mixture with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rich beef broth, tangy Worcestershire sauce, smoky paprika, aromatic oregano, and a balanced combination of salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
6. Simmer the combined ingredients for 5 minutes, enabling the spices and liquids to harmonize and develop a deeply satisfying taste.
7. Carefully transfer the vibrant beef and cabbage medley into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, distributing the mixture evenly across the surface.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty blanket that will transform during baking.
9. Place the dish in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a tempting golden-brown crust.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier dish.
• Swap regular ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lower-calorie options.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and add more color.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and checking salt content in tomato sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg