Easy Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: Homestyle Comfort in One Dish

Comfort arrives in a hearty cabbage beef bake that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of savory ground beef mingle effortlessly with tender cabbage.

This rustic dish brings warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Robust flavors develop as the ingredients slowly bake together, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of meat and vegetables.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly spectacular.

Dive into this comforting recipe that will become a fast favorite at your table.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This Cabbage Beef Bake stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Do I need to precook the rice?

No, you can use leftover cooked rice or instant rice. The moisture from tomatoes and beef broth will help the rice cook thoroughly during the baking process.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply ensure you use gluten-free beef broth and check that your rice and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free with these minor modifications.

What Makes Cabbage Beef Bake a Family Favorite

• Create Stunning Dessert: Transform ordinary ingredients into a show-stopping chocolate strawberry swirl cheesecake that looks like a professional bakery creation.
• Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional baking methods like water bath cooking and chocolate swirling, elevating your culinary skills with minimal expert training.
• Customize with Ease: Switch up toppings or adjust chocolate intensity to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different taste buds and occasions.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve a complex-looking dessert that appears complicated but requires basic baking skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to wow family and friends.

Everything for Your Cabbage Beef Bake Dish

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.
• Cabbage: A nutritious vegetable that adds texture and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Rice: A fluffy grain that provides a satisfying foundation for the beef and vegetables.

• Onion, Garlic Powder: These ingredients add depth and robust flavor to the beef mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: These liquids keep the casserole moist and add rich, savory notes.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty, tangy topping that creates a golden, delicious crust.

• Cooking Spray or Butter, Aluminum Foil: Used for greasing the baking dish and covering during cooking.

Steps to Make Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or rub it down with butter.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

Grab a large skillet and toss in ground beef and chopped onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it’s completely browned and the onions look glassy and soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together so the seasonings coat the meat evenly.

Step 4: Create the First Cabbage Layer

Spread half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

This will be the foundation of your delicious casserole.

Step 5: Build the Meat and Rice Layer

Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the cabbage.

Then add a smooth layer of cooked rice on top.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes

Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juice) over the rice, making sure they cover the entire surface.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Cabbage

Scatter the rest of the chopped cabbage over the tomatoes, creating a nice green blanket.

Step 8: Pour in Beef Broth

Drizzle beef broth evenly across the entire dish, which will help keep everything moist and flavorful.

Step 9: Bake and Cover

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 10: Cheese and Finish

After 45 minutes, pull out the dish and remove the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your hearty and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake!

Notes for Baking Cabbage Beef Just Right

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final result.
• Cut cabbage into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the bake.
• Use long-grain white rice or brown rice for best absorption and to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the beef's rich flavor profile.
• Let the cheese rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a perfect, glossy melted topping that doesn't become rubbery.

Creative Swaps for Cabbage Beef Bake Lovers

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Casserole: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use ground turkey instead of beef, and add Italian herbs for enhanced flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Garden Bake: Replace beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, incorporate mushrooms and zucchini, use vegetable broth, and top with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Use ground lamb, add oregano and mint, replace tomatoes with diced roasted red peppers, and swap cheddar for crumbled feta cheese.

Sides to Serve With Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Choose a bold, medium-bodied red like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the hearty beef and cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Serve Tangy Coleslaw Side: Create a crisp, acidic coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to balance the warm, comforting flavors of the cabbage beef bake and add refreshing texture.
• Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with a crispy exterior to soak up the tomato and beef broth, enhancing the overall meal's savory profile.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the dense, meaty casserole and add nutritional balance.

Storing Your Cabbage Beef Bake for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's flavor and texture intact.
• Transfer cooled cabbage beef bake to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in freezer-friendly plastic wrap. Store frozen for 2-3 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake brings rustic comfort straight from German kitchens, blending rich ground beef with tender cabbage layers. Savory seasonings and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to enjoy classic home-style cooking.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 3 cups (700 milliliters) cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked rice
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until beef is thoroughly browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.
3. Season beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Create first layer in baking dish by spreading half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom.
5. Distribute beef mixture evenly over cabbage layer.
6. Add cooked rice as the next layer.
7. Pour undrained diced tomatoes uniformly over rice.
8. Cover rice with remaining cabbage.
9. Pour beef broth evenly across entire dish to ensure moisture.
10. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top.
12. Return to oven uncovered and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Optimize beef browning by ensuring high heat and avoiding overcrowding the skillet for better caramelization and flavor development.
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini between cabbage layers for increased texture and nutrient density.
• Prevent soggy texture by draining diced tomatoes slightly and using long-grain rice to maintain a fluffy, separate grain consistency throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg