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
Scale
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
