Description
Hearty cabbage beef bake brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables. Savory layers of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich seasonings create a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 0.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
Vegetables:
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
Binding and Topping:
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown ground beef and cubed beef chuck until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced carrots to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate chopped cabbage into the meat mixture, stirring continuously to ensure even cooking and wilting.
- Pour beef broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, creating a savory liquid base that will infuse the dish with depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and combine with breadcrumbs to create a binding agent for the casserole.
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture across the top of the casserole, then generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and the edges become crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- Enhance meat tenderness by choosing well-marbled chuck roast and cutting against the grain for maximum softness.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
- Control moisture by draining excess fat after browning meats, preventing soggy casserole and ensuring a crisp breadcrumb topping.
- Boost vegetable nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini, increasing flavor complexity and nutrient density without compromising the dish’s core profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg