If you’re craving pure comfort in a casserole dish, this Cabbage Beef Bake is about to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Combining tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and plenty of hearty rice all bubbling beneath a melt-in-your-mouth layer of cheddar cheese, it’s a cozy, family-friendly classic. With its irresistible blend of flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients, this dish makes the perfect weeknight hero or potluck crowd-pleaser. Even better? Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this Cabbage Beef Bake a true lifesaver for busy schedules and hungry appetites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple staples and watch each one shine in the finished bake — from the sweetness of cabbage to the richness of ground beef, every ingredient adds its own magic. Don’t skip any, because the sum is so much more delicious than its parts!
- Lean ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and satisfying protein to the bake, making it the main star of the show.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic: Two cloves provide a hidden layer of warming flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Green cabbage: The backbone of the casserole, offering texture, color, and mild, earthy sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): These add juiciness, acidity, and a pop of vibrant color to the filling.
- Cooked rice: Fluffy rice soaks up the savory juices and gives the bake its classic, homestyle feel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, golden top—don’t be shy with the cheese!
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory base and keeps everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon brings out umami notes and a rich, meaty undertone.
- Dried oregano: Lends gentle herbal flavor that complements the tomato and beef beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds a warm, smoked complexity with a hint of color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors—season liberally to taste.
- Olive oil: Sautéing the onion in olive oil builds a delicious flavor base before the bake comes together.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkled on at the end for fresh, vibrant contrast and a final flourish.
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking later. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray—this makes serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about three minutes, just until it turns soft and a little golden around the edges. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbly, then drain off any excess fat for a lighter finish.
Step 3: Soften the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped green cabbage. Sauté together for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the cabbage to start softening and soak up all the flavors in the pan. Don’t worry if the pan seems full at first—the cabbage will cook down and mingle with the meat and onions.
Step 4: Combine Filling with Flavors
Add the diced tomatoes (juices and all), cooked rice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine, and simmer the mixture for five minutes so everything melds together into a rich, savory filling. Taste now for seasoning—it’s your moment to adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cabbage beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Gently press it down to level it out, then shower the top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to lock in the moisture.
Step 6: Melt and Bubble
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. This is your cheese-melting, golden-bubbling moment—peek through the oven window and watch the magic happen!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once it’s done, let it cool for just a few minutes before sprinkling generous handfuls of fresh parsley across the top. Serve up the Cabbage Beef Bake hot and enjoy the applause from your hungry crowd.
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake
Garnishes
For a fresh finishing touch, pile on a handful of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a little tang, a dollop of sour cream or a few thinly sliced green onions elevate each forkful and add a pop of color and creamy brightness against the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette brings cooling contrast alongside the warm Cabbage Beef Bake. Alternatively, try roasted carrots or steamed broccoli for extra veggies, or serve with a crusty piece of bread to soak up every drop of saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop the bake into individual ramekins for personal servings at a dinner party, or try topping each portion with a fried egg for brunch vibes. For an extra cozy touch, serve the Cabbage Beef Bake in rustic bowls with parsley and cheese sprinkled right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cabbage Beef Bake is a dream come true for easy lunches or second meals. Once fully cooled, cover the dish or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they mingle overnight!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer the bake to a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly in foil. It will keep its texture and taste for up to three months. For convenience, freeze in single portions for quick individual meals.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot all the way through—usually about 20 minutes if reheating the whole dish, or less for smaller servings. For an even quicker option, pop individual portions in the microwave, covered, until steamy and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I make Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and then proceed with baking as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy days or when planning ahead for guests.
What’s the best way to make it low-carb?
Swap the cooked white rice for cauliflower rice. It blends right in, keeps the bake fluffy and hearty, and reduces the carb count without sacrificing taste or comfort factor.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely! While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites all melt beautifully and bring their own unique flavor to the dish. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
Do I have to use lean ground beef?
You can use any ground beef you like, but lean beef helps keep the casserole from getting overly greasy. If you use a higher fat content, just drain off any extra fat after browning the meat to keep the texture just right.
Can I add different veggies to the bake?
Go for it! While cabbage and tomato are essential for the comforting flavor profile, chopped bell peppers, grated carrot, or even a handful of spinach can add color and a nutritional boost. Just make sure not to overload or the texture might change.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Beef Bake is one of those tried-and-true recipes that never fails to delight. It’s satisfying, adaptable, and perfect for sharing with the ones you love. Give it a try and watch it become a regular at your table—I promise, comfort food doesn’t get better than this!
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Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting cabbage beef bake loaded with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and cheese, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is a delicious twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook onion in olive oil, then add garlic and ground beef. Once browned, add cabbage, tomatoes, rice, broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake covered.
- Bake: Bake covered, then uncover to melt the cheese. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- This dish can be made ahead for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
