Cabbage Beef Bake is the perfect comfort food dish, combining the heartiness of ground beef, the savory flavor of onions, and the warmth of melted cheddar cheese. With tender cabbage layered with a rich beef mixture and seasoned to perfection, this casserole-style bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a cozy family dinner, feeding a group of friends, or even looking for a new recipe to add to your weekly meal rotation, this dish promises to fill your kitchen with enticing aromas and satisfy your hunger. Inspired by classic cabbage rolls but simplified into a one-pan bake, this recipe brings together all the flavors you love in a hearty, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake
This Cabbage Beef Bake isn’t just delicious—it’s practical too. Not only does it come together in less than 90 minutes, but it also makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day! Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the cabbage and provides a solid dose of protein from the beef and cheese. If you’re looking for a meal that combines convenience and comfort, look no further. This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing for a cold winter’s evening, an easy weeknight dinner, or a casual family gathering, this cabbage beef bake is perfect. The combination of familiar, hearty ingredients makes it a great choice for those who love comforting, wholesome food that’s simple to prepare. It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or share with friends—once they taste it, they’ll be asking for the recipe!
The Inspiration Behind Cabbage Beef Bake
This recipe is inspired by the classic cabbage rolls, a beloved dish in many cultures. Traditionally, cabbage rolls are made by stuffing cabbage leaves with a seasoned mixture of beef, rice, and vegetables, which are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. While cabbage rolls can take some time to prepare, this baked version simplifies the process while maintaining the same great flavors. The result is a dish that’s just as hearty and satisfying, but much quicker and easier to make!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For this delicious, hearty cabbage beef bake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – The main protein of the dish, providing flavor and texture.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds savory depth to the dish.
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped – The star vegetable that brings crunch and flavor to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Provides a tangy, juicy base for the bake.
- 1 cup cooked rice – A filling carbohydrate that balances the flavors and adds bulk to the bake.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must-have seasoning for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice and depth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that delicious, gooey topping that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 cup beef broth – Keeps the cabbage moist and infuses the bake with a savory flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make This Cabbage Beef Bake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This will ensure the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish during baking, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Stir occasionally to break up the meat and cook it evenly. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, and the onions are soft and translucent. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Season the Beef
Once the beef is cooked and drained, stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will give your beef the perfect seasoning. Mix well so that the spices coat the beef and onion mixture evenly.
4. Layer the Cabbage
Now it’s time to assemble your cabbage beef bake. Start by layering half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The cabbage will soften as it bakes, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the beef mixture and becoming tender and delicious.
5. Add the Beef Mixture and Rice
Next, spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly over the cabbage layer. Sprinkle cooked rice over the beef, which adds a nice texture and helps to soak up some of the juices during baking.
6. Top with Diced Tomatoes and Remaining Cabbage
Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour it over the rice, spreading it out evenly across the surface. This will add a burst of tangy flavor and keep the dish moist. Then, top everything with the remaining half of the cabbage, creating another layer that will cook down nicely in the oven.
7. Add Beef Broth and Cover with Foil
Pour the beef broth over the top of the cabbage, which will help to steam the dish and infuse it with extra flavor. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed to trap in the moisture.
8. Bake the Cabbage Beef Bake
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This will allow the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld together.
9. Add the Cheese and Bake Uncovered
After 45 minutes, remove the foil from the dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will give the dish that perfect golden, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Dish out generous portions of this hearty casserole and enjoy the savory flavors and satisfying texture.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Beef Bake
- Rice: For a more flavorful rice, you can cook it in beef broth instead of water. This will enhance the dish and give the rice a savory boost.
- Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Adding extra veggies can increase the nutritional value and make the dish even more colorful.
- Cheese: If you prefer a different type of cheese, try using mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. If you want to make it ahead of time, simply assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it) and freeze it. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the instructions.
Why Cabbage Beef Bake is a Must-Try
This Cabbage Beef Bake is an ideal meal for anyone looking for an easy, filling, and flavorful dinner that won’t take hours to prepare. With tender beef, savory seasonings, and gooey cheese, it’s hard to resist! It’s a family-friendly dish that both kids and adults will love. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can make it your own by adding more vegetables, swapping out ingredients, or even trying different types of cheese. Whether you’re feeding a small family or a crowd, this recipe scales beautifully. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it disappears!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Cabbage Beef Bake contains approximately 320 kcal, making it a filling yet balanced meal. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber from the cabbage, making it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet while still enjoying comfort food.
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic
This Cabbage Beef Bake is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting experience that brings the family together. It’s hearty, savory, and full of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a delicious meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
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Cabbage Beef Bake
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cabbage Beef Bake is the perfect comfort food dish, combining hearty ground beef, savory onions, and tender cabbage. With a rich tomato base and a gooey, cheesy topping, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and keep everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
- Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage. Then sprinkle cooked rice over the beef.
- Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the rice.
- Top with the remaining cabbage and pour beef broth over the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, cook the rice in beef broth instead of water.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to customize the dish.
- You can use different cheeses like mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses for variety.
- This dish freezes well, so you can assemble it ahead of time, freeze, and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes