Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Bursting with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and gooey cheddar cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome. Packed with layers of flavor and comforting textures, it’s a dish that’s incredibly satisfying yet simple enough to make on any weeknight. Whether you’re a cabbage fan or just love a tasty bake, this recipe brings together familiar ingredients in a way that feels fresh, cozy, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, but each component plays an important role in building those beautiful layers of flavor and texture. From the savory beef to the bright tomatoes and melty cheese, every element adds its unique magic to the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty richness and protein, forming the savory base of the bake.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped: Brings a subtle crunch and freshness that balances the richness.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Offers acidity and a juicy texture to keep the bake moist and vibrant.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Adds comforting bulk and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic note without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the dish isn’t bland.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of spice for depth.
- ½ cup beef broth: Keeps the bake juicy and tender during cooking.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly crown of flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This is where the base flavor takes shape, and browning the beef properly helps lock in that savory goodness.
Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture
Drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy, then stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings wake up the beef and onion combo, setting the stage for all the other wonderful flavors to shine through.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers in Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the layers from sticking, then start by spreading half of the chopped cabbage evenly on the bottom. This layer creates a fresh, slightly crunchy base that pairs beautifully with the meat. Next, evenly spread the seasoned beef mixture on top of the cabbage, followed by a layer of the cooked rice to add a fluffy texture. Pour the diced tomatoes with their juice over everything for moisture and tang, then finish by adding the remaining cabbage on top.
Step 4: Add Broth and Bake Covered
Pour the beef broth gently over the baked layers to ensure everything will steam and stay tender during cooking. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. This slow bake allows all the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften perfectly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the bake. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust. This final cheesy touch adds richness and makes the whole dish irresistibly inviting.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let your Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe cool just a bit so the layers can set, making it easier to serve. Then dig in and savor every comforting bite of this hearty, delicious meal.
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or a little sliced green onion over the top adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness that perfectly contrasts the rich, cheesy surface of the casserole. For a tangy kick, a dollop of sour cream on each serving brings an inviting creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad to balance the hearty bake—think fresh greens with a zesty vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans add a nice touch of color and crunch on the side, making your meal feel special and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a personalized wow factor. Alternatively, pile individual servings onto warmed plates, letting the melted cheese stretch luxuriously as you scoop it up, creating a cozy, inviting presentation perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe, simply cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, and the dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it great for packed lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, cool the bake completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed whenever you need a comforting meal in a pinch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the texture and ensure the cheese melts back beautifully. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, but the oven method helps keep that delightful baked crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and melty, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness or gouda for a smokier flavor. Feel free to tailor the cheese to your taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as the beef broth and canned tomatoes are gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients should already be safe. Just double-check labels to be sure, especially on seasoning blends.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken can work well for a lighter take. Just adjust cooking times slightly and keep the seasoning balanced to maintain flavor.
What if I don’t have cooked rice on hand?
No worries! You can use cooked quinoa, barley, or even leave it out entirely for a lower-carb version. Just note the texture will be a bit different.
How can I make the cabbage more tender?
If you prefer softer cabbage, you can sauté it briefly before layering, or increase the baking time slightly under the foil to allow it to tenderize even more during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a dish that combines simple ingredients into a golden, cheesy masterpiece, and this Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding family or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, it’s a recipe that’s easy to make with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen, yet impressive enough to feel special. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This one-dish meal is baked to perfection, offering a flavorful combination that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) preparing it for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the cooked beef and onion mixture for flavor.
- Layer Cabbage: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add Beef Mixture: Evenly spread the seasoned beef and onion mixture over the cabbage layer.
- Add Rice Layer: Sprinkle the cooked rice evenly over the beef layer to add texture and substance.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the rice, distributing the juices across the dish.
- Top with Remaining Cabbage: Add the remaining chopped cabbage evenly on top of the tomato layer.
- Add Beef Broth: Gently pour beef broth over the entire dish to keep it moist while baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the layers through.
- Uncover the Dish: Remove the foil to prepare the casserole for the cheese topping.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Final Bake: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and to avoid burns.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal!
Notes
- They can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save prep time.
- For extra flavor, add some smoked paprika or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
- Use a sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or mild cheddar for a gentler taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
