The Best Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort shines through this hearty cabbage beef bake that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of tender meat and crisp vegetables create a delightful harmony on your plate.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients mingle to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutritious and filling, this recipe offers a delicious solution for busy weeknight dinners.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable creation.

Top Pairings For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and enhance the casserole's savory flavors, cutting through the meat's richness with balanced tannins.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a zesty side of shredded cabbage with apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, and a hint of honey to provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.
• Craft a Fresh Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and balance the dish's hearty protein and cheese components.

Storage Tips For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the casserole for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until steaming hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Cabbage Beef Bake Common Questions

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground lamb work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature of the beef layer with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F to ensure the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Is Full Of Hearty Flavor

• Discover Speedy Weeknight Dinner: Packed with ground beef and cabbage, this casserole becomes a quick solution for busy families needing a satisfying meal in minimal preparation time.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Combining everyday pantry staples like ground beef, cabbage, and cheese creates a budget-friendly dish that delivers maximum flavor without complex cooking techniques.
• Create Comforting Family Meal: The hearty layered casserole offers nostalgic home-style cooking that brings everyone together, providing a warm and filling dinner perfect for gathering around the table.
• Master One-Pan Wonder: Streamlined preparation and minimal cleanup make this recipe an ideal choice for home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing taste and nutritional value.

Ingredients For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Cabbage: A nutritious and crunchy vegetable that forms the bottom layer of the casserole.

• Eggs, Milk, Breadcrumbs: A moist mixture that helps bind the ground beef and adds richness to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the beef.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a golden, melty topping that adds richness and flavor.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole and prevent burning during baking.

Steps To Make Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a generous butter massage to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Cabbage Base

Slice the cabbage into chunky bite-sized pieces and spread them like a cozy green carpet across the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 3: Season Ground Beef

Grab the ground beef and introduce it to salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to give the meat a flavor massage, ensuring every bit gets seasoned.

Step 4: Create Binding Mixture

In a separate bowl, whip together eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs until they become best friends, forming a smooth, moist mixture that’ll help hold the beef together.

Step 5: Combine Beef Mixture

Gently fold the egg mixture into the seasoned beef, blending everything with a light touch. No need to beat it up – just make sure everything is friends.

Step 6: Layer The Beef

Spread the beef mixture over the cabbage like a soft, meaty blanket. Press it down gently to create a smooth, even layer.

Step 7: Add Tomato Sauce

Drizzle tomato sauce across the beef, creating a vibrant red river that’ll add moisture and tangy flavor to the dish.

Step 8: Cheese Topping

Shower the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty crown that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven for 45 minutes, letting the flavors dance and mingle.

Step 10: Crisp The Cheese

Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to turn golden and develop those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 11: Rest And Settle

After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers settle and the flavors to become best friends.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Slice this comforting creation and serve it piping hot, ready to make everyone at the table smile with pure deliciousness.

Helpful Tips For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Prevent Burning: Cover the casserole with foil to protect the cheese and top from scorching during the initial baking period.
• Mix Meat Gently: Use a light touch when combining beef with egg mixture to keep the texture tender and avoid tough, compacted meat.
• Layer Evenly: Spread cabbage and beef mixtures uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Enhance Moisture: Drizzle tomato sauce carefully to add juiciness and prevent the casserole from becoming dry during baking.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients set and makes slicing easier.

New Ways To Try Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Lamb Variation: Swap ground beef for ground lamb and add oregano, mint, and feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired rendition with rich, aromatic notes.
• Vegetarian Lentil Alternative: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils and add extra mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based casserole that delivers robust, satisfying flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and pepper jack cheese to transform the classic recipe into a zesty, southwestern-style comfort dish with bold, exciting elements.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake delivers comforting midwest flavors in one delicious casserole. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium head cabbage

Seasonings:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Binders and Moisture:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Core and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, using your hands to blend the seasonings thoroughly into the meat.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs together in a separate bowl, creating a moist binding mixture for the beef.
5. Incorporate the egg mixture into the seasoned ground beef, gently mixing until well combined without overmixing.
6. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage layer, ensuring complete coverage and gentle pressing to compact the ingredients.
7. Drizzle tomato sauce across the top of the beef layer, creating a uniform coating that will add moisture and flavor.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, providing a golden, melty topping.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, protecting the cheese from burning.
10. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
11. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld.
12. Slice and serve hot, offering a hearty and comforting one-dish meal with layers of cabbage and seasoned beef.

Notes

• Customize the seasonings by experimenting with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian blend to elevate the flavor profile of the beef mixture.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the cabbage layer, creating extra vegetable depth and boosting the meal’s nutrient density.
• Ensure even cooking by chopping cabbage into uniform bite-sized pieces, which helps prevent some sections from becoming too soft or remaining undercooked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg