Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: A Cozy Family Dinner Win

Hearty winter meals become pure comfort when you discover this delicious cabbage beef bake that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Crisp layers of tender cabbage intertwine with seasoned ground meat in a mouthwatering casserole.

Cold evenings call for something substantial and nourishing like this classic dish.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Melted cheese creates a golden crown atop this rustic masterpiece, promising incredible flavor in every bite.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Is a Hearty Meal

• Simplify Meal Prep: This one-pan wonder combines ground beef, cabbage, and rice into a hearty dish that requires minimal kitchen cleanup and reduces overall cooking steps.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Packed with affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and rice, this casserole delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank and satisfies hungry families.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with protein from beef, fiber from cabbage, and carbohydrates from rice, this bake provides a complete meal that delivers essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily and appeals to both kids and adults with its classic, comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Cabbage and Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich component that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.
• Cabbage: A nutritious vegetable that adds texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste to the casserole.
• Rice: A fluffy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds a comforting element to the meal.

• Onion: A foundational ingredient that brings depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.
• Garlic Powder: A seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: A juicy ingredient that adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that helps keep the dish moist and intensifies the meaty flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients' taste.

• Cheddar Cheese: A melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden, crispy surface.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: A non-stick agent to prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: A covering that helps trap moisture during initial baking.

How to Prepare a Delicious Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or rub it down with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Beef Base

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions

Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. The beef should look fully browned and the onions should turn soft and see-through.

Carefully drain away any extra fat from the pan.

Step 3: Boost the Beef’s Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together so the spices dance through the meat.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Layers

• Spreading half the chopped cabbage across the bottom of the baking dish
• Covering the cabbage with the seasoned beef mixture
• Adding a layer of cooked rice
• Pouring diced tomatoes (with their juices) over the rice

Step 5: First Baking Session

Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle and get to know each other.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Pull the casserole out and remove the foil. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Tender and Flavorful Cabbage Beef Bake

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure crispy, flavorful layers.
• Choose fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Use low-sodium broth and cheese to control salt content and make the dish more diet-friendly.
• Enhance flavor by adding a dash of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the beef mixture for extra depth.

Variations for Your Cabbage Beef Bake Dish

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients. Perfect for keto dieters seeking a lighter meal option.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Maintain the same cooking technique and seasonings for a meat-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate oregano, basil, and parsley into the beef mixture. Top with feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the beef. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.

Best Pairings for Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the hearty beef and rich tomato flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting thick slices of rustic bread with garlic butter, offering a crunchy texture that soaks up the savory tomato and beef juices.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the warm, heavy casserole, adding brightness and a fresh counterpoint to the dense meat and cabbage layers.

How to Store Cabbage Beef Bake Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish whole or portion it out for easy reheating.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date and contents. Avoid freezing if tomatoes or rice are too soft.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Is cabbage beef bake a healthy meal?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish packed with protein from beef, fiber from cabbage, and complex carbohydrates from rice. The recipe offers a balanced combination of vegetables and lean meat.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. It will provide similar texture and flavor while reducing overall fat content.

• How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy?

Layer the cabbage strategically and avoid overcooking. Use fresh cabbage and drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes to maintain a good texture. The baking process helps the cabbage retain its structure.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across North America. Layers of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich seasonings combine into a satisfying meal that promises delicious memories with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cups (680 grams) cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter for optimal non-stick performance.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef and onions for 5-7 minutes until the meat is completely browned and onions become translucent. Remove excess grease thoroughly.
3. Enhance the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing evenly to distribute seasonings.
4. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom as a foundational base.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the cabbage, creating a dense protein layer.
6. Spread the cooked rice evenly across the beef, providing a substantial middle layer.
7. Pour undrained diced tomatoes over the rice, ensuring complete coverage and added moisture.
8. Arrange the remaining cabbage on top as the final vegetable layer.
9. Gently pour beef broth across the entire dish, allowing liquid to penetrate all layers.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, maintaining moisture and even cooking.
11. Remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer.
12. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the casserole soggy.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative that maintains the same texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and added excitement to the recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 405 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg