Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Comfort flows through every bite of this cabbage beef bake that promises warmth and satisfaction on chilly evenings.

Layers of tender ground beef mingle with robust cabbage creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Rich and savory notes dance across the plate, inviting eager taste buds to explore.

The casserole emerges from the oven golden and bubbling with irresistible aromas that fill the kitchen.

Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of hearty protein and nutritious vegetables.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this delectable, satisfying dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with this classic comfort food that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Cabbage Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that adds hearty flavor and satisfying texture to the dish, choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Beef Broth: Enhances savory depth and adds moisture, select low-sodium versions for better control of salt content.

• Cabbage: Provides crisp texture and subtle sweetness, select fresh, compact heads with vibrant green leaves.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile, opt for firm onions without soft spots or bruising.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent undertone, choose plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright acidity and moisture, pick canned varieties with no added salt.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich base, select varieties without excessive preservatives.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami undertone, choose traditional fermented versions.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes warm, smoky dimension, select high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Oregano: Brings herbal Mediterranean notes, use dried herb for concentrated flavor.
• Salt And Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty topping, select sharp cheddar or blend for maximum flavor.

Tools You’ll Need For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sautéing vegetables with plenty of cooking surface.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole, providing even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring beef, mixing ingredients, and spreading mixture in the baking dish.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, cabbage, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping and slicing of vegetables.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheese to sprinkle on top of the casserole.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Make Cabbage Beef Bake

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a large skillet, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and all the extra fat is gone.

• Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften until they’re fragrant and translucent.

• Welcome the Cabbage

Introduce chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring and cooking until it starts to become tender and delicious.

• Create the Flavor Bath

Pour in tomatoes, sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Let everything simmer and get to know each other for a few minutes.

• Build the Casserole

Transfer the meaty mixture to a greased baking dish, then crown it with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.

• Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a moment, then dig in and enjoy the comforting, hearty goodness!

Tips And Ideas For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Champion: Perfect for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets, this recipe naturally reduces carbohydrate intake by using cabbage instead of traditional pasta or rice.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for best texture and flavor preservation.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives to create different protein profiles while maintaining the dish's core flavor structure.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan lifestyle. Use coconut milk or almond milk-based products for added creaminess.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy extra heat. Alternatively, incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a bright, fresh flavor profile that complements the rich beef and cabbage base.

Serving Cabbage Beef Bake In Style

• Fresh Green Salad Pairing: Crisp lettuce, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes tossed with a light vinaigrette complement the rich, hearty flavors of the beef and cabbage bake.
• Crusty Bread Side: Warm garlic bread or a rustic sourdough slice helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Tangy Sour Cream Topping: A dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt on top provides a creamy contrast to the warm, savory casserole and balances the dish's robust flavors.
• Quick Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a burst of color and a bright, fresh finish that elevates the entire dish.

Plan And Keep Cabbage Beef Bake Fresh

• Refrigerator Storage Tactics: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy cheese topping. Microwave works in a pinch, but might soften the cheese texture slightly.
• Portion Control Wisdom: Divide into individual meal-sized portions before storing. This technique helps quick meal prep and prevents unnecessary repeated reheating that can degrade food quality.

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Russian-inspired cabbage beef bake melds hearty ground beef with tender cabbage layers in a comforting casserole. Savory spices and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor traditional Eastern European flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cooking Environment: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an optimal thermal landscape for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Meat Foundation: Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, meticulously draining excess fat to preserve a lean, robust base.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce finely chopped onions and garlic to the meat, sautéing until these flavor catalysts become translucent and release their aromatic essence, melding seamlessly with the protein.
4. Vegetable Integration: Fold chopped cabbage into the skillet, allowing it to soften and absorb the seasoned meat’s rich profile, stirring occasionally to ensure uniform cooking and prevent adherence to the pan.
5. Flavor Composition: Integrate diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a complex and harmonious flavor symphony that elevates the dish’s depth and character.
6. Preliminary Melding: Simmer the concoction for 5 minutes, enabling ingredients to intertwine and develop a cohesive, intensely satisfying taste profile.
7. Baking Preparation: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even distribution that promises consistent flavor in every serving.
8. Cheese Culmination: Crown the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheese, which will melt into a golden, bubbling masterpiece during baking.
9. Final Transformation: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese achieves a tempting golden-brown crust and the entire dish radiates with culinary promise.
10. Serving Refinement: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes post-baking, permitting flavors to settle and ensuring a perfect serving temperature.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and maintain a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Cabbage Cutting Technique: Slice cabbage into uniform, thin strips to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for improved melting and a more complex flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional ingredients with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg