Hearty Cabbage and Beef Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

My grandma’s hearty cabbage beef bake always signals comfort and warmth during chilly evenings.

Memories of her kitchen flood back with each layered, bubbling casserole.

Rich ground beef mingles seamlessly with tender cabbage leaves, creating a rustic masterpiece.

Hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this classic dish.

Clever seasoning transforms simple components into something truly memorable.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this homestyle treasure.

Useful Tips to Keep the Cabbage Tender and Juicy

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Pat ground beef dry with paper towels to remove excess fat, ensuring a crispy texture and preventing a greasy dish.
• Slice Cabbage Uniformly: Cut cabbage into consistent, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the bake.
• Customize Cheese Topping: Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and personalize the dish.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Boost nutritional value by incorporating bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for additional texture and vitamins without compromising the recipe's core taste.
• Make It Low-Carb Friendly: Replace traditional tomato sauce with low-carb alternatives or use diced fresh tomatoes to reduce overall carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.

Reheating and Storage Tips for Cabbage Beef Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum for best quality and safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for cheese crispness.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of beef broth to maintain moisture if needed.

Recommended Pairings for a Full Plate of Cabbage Bake

• Choose a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Franc or Merlot that complements the hearty beef and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Use thick slices to soak up the savory tomato sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft casserole.
• Create a side salad with vinegar-based dressing to provide a crisp, acidic balance against the warm, heavy main dish.
• Select a light, refreshing beer that will cleanse the palate and enhance the smoky paprika and beef flavors in the bake.

Ingredient Twists for Changing Up Cabbage Beef Bake

Vegetarian Cabbage Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tomato sauce and verify broth ingredients to make the dish celiac-friendly. Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower or zucchini for fewer carbohydrates. Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Cabbage Beef Bake for a Homestyle Oven Meal

• Combine affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage to create a nutritious meal that won't break the bank, stretching your grocery dollars while delivering maximum flavor.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple recipe that moves seamlessly from stovetop to oven, reducing dish washing and saving precious time after a long day.
• Pack in vegetables and protein with this balanced dish, offering a wholesome meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste or comfort.

What You’ll Need to Assemble a Cabbage Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the dish. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the recipe. Low-sodium varieties work well for controlled salt intake.

• Cabbage: Provides a tender, slightly sweet base with good nutritional value. Green cabbage is crisp and holds its shape well.
• Onion: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. Fresh onions with firm texture work best.
• Garlic: Offers robust, pungent flavor that complements the meat. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most intense taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy sweetness. Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and consistent.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, smooth base for the bake. Smooth varieties blend well with other ingredients.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, umami flavor. Adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, warm flavor profile. Enhances the overall taste of the bake.
• Oregano: Contributes an herbal, slightly peppery note. Dried oregano works well in this recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavors.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture and rich flavor. Sharp cheddar or a cheese blend works great.

How to Layer and Bake a Cabbage Beef Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook ground beef over medium heat until it turns a rich golden brown. Tip: Make sure to break the meat into small crumbly pieces while cooking. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.

Step 2: Infuse With Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Toss these flavor boosters into the skillet with the beef. Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Introduce Cabbage

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and add to the skillet. Stir and cook for several minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still maintains a slight crunch.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let simmer, allowing the flavors to dance and blend beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling around the edges, typically 20-25 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Dig in while it’s warm and savor every delicious bite!

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake brings comfort straight from rustic kitchens, blending savory ground beef with tender cabbage layers. Warm, satisfying flavors meld together, offering you a perfect home-style meal that reminds of cherished family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

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

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (8 ounces / 226 grams) tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm up the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
2. Navigate the ground beef through a sizzling skillet, transforming it from raw to perfectly browned. Eliminate excess fat by draining thoroughly.
3. Introduce aromatic companions – finely chopped onions and garlic – allowing them to dance and soften in the skillet, releasing their fragrant essence over approximately 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate the shredded cabbage, gently guiding it to a tender state through intermittent stirring, watching it gradually surrender its crispness over 5-7 minutes.
5. Orchestrate a flavor symphony by combining diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let these ingredients harmonize through a gentle 5-minute simmer.
6. Transition the robust mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, spreading it evenly and crowning the creation with a luxurious blanket of shredded cheese.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Pause briefly, permitting the casserole a moment to settle and cool, then serve this comforting dish while its warmth and aroma invite immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that fits different dietary needs.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing stage for more texture and vitamins.
• Create a low-carb option by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or reducing the amount of cheese for fewer calories.
• Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to develop deeper and makes meal prep easier for busy weeknights.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg