If you’re searching for a cozy, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together with minimal fuss, Cabbage Beef Bake is a true weeknight hero. This family favorite casserole layers tender cabbage, savory ground beef, juicy tomatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese into one irresistible dish—each bite is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want a reliable recipe that makes fantastic leftovers, Cabbage Beef Bake is sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cabbage Beef Bake comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in creating layers of taste, texture, and color. Don’t skip or swap too many—these basics are what make this casserole so comforting!
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the dish, adding protein and rich, savory flavor.
- Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Brings irresistible warmth and a punch of flavor to every bite.
- Green cabbage: The star vegetable, becoming tender and slightly sweet as it bakes.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Juicy tomatoes provide moisture and tang that balances the richness.
- Cooked rice: Adds body and soaks up all those delicious juices—use white or brown rice as you like.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping for ultimate comfort.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the bake with subtle herbal notes that tie the flavors together.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the savory goodness of the beef and veggies.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Turn up the heat a notch if you like a little spice!
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and beef, lending a hint of fruitiness and richness.
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it’s soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma. This base gives the Cabbage Beef Bake its irresistible depth of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let the beef brown completely and cook through—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off for a lighter casserole. Browning the beef is crucial—it gives the whole bake that deep, savory flavor.
Step 3: Soften the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until it starts to soften and shrink down. The cabbage will finish cooking in the oven, but giving it a head start helps everything bake up tender and melded together.
Step 4: Build the Casserole Mixture
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (juice and all), cooked rice, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything well, making sure the flavors are evenly distributed. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors start to come together—it’ll smell amazing!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your savory mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is piping hot throughout. Let the Cabbage Beef Bake rest for 5 minutes before you scoop into it—this makes serving so much easier!
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake
Garnishes
This dish is fantastic straight from the oven, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra zing, try a dollop of sour cream or a dusting of smoked paprika right before serving.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Beef Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or some steamed vegetables on the side. The casserole is hearty on its own, so lighter sides really round out the meal without making it too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party or potluck. You can also scoop the bake into hollowed bell peppers for a colorful, edible bowl—kids especially love this presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cabbage Beef Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it tightly covered or in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months for a convenient homemade meal anytime you crave comfort food.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes (longer if reheating from frozen). You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I substitute another meat for the beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well in Cabbage Beef Bake if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. You’ll still get all the cozy, savory flavors you love.
Is there a way to make this casserole low-carb?
Yes! For a low-carb version, simply leave out the rice or swap it for riced cauliflower. The bake will still be hearty and satisfying, just with fewer carbs.
Can I make Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then store it covered in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to eat—it may need a few extra minutes in the oven if going in cold.
What’s the best way to chop cabbage for this recipe?
Just remove the core and slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. They don’t have to be perfect—aim for pieces about the size of a large spoonful so they soften and meld with the other ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them finely so they cook evenly with the cabbage and beef.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little more comfort and flavor to your dinner table, give this Cabbage Beef Bake a try. It’s easy, flexible, and guaranteed to warm both your kitchen and your heart—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory diced tomatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines wholesome ingredients and simple preparation steps to create a flavorful, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The blend of protein, vegetables, and cheese makes it satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
Canned Goods and Grains
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup cooked rice
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté aromatics and brown beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
- Cook cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage with the beef mixture and cook for 5–7 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, cooked rice, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest and serve: Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and to make slicing easier.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- For a low-carb version, omit the rice or replace it with riced cauliflower.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
