Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort in One Pan

Comfort comes alive with this hearty cabbage beef bake that blends robust flavors and simple ingredients.

Cold evenings call for warm, satisfying meals that hug your senses.

Tender ground beef mingles with layers of sweet cabbage in a dish that promises pure deliciousness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and wholesome goodness.

Rich beef and crisp cabbage create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

The casserole offers a delightful twist on classic comfort food that everyone around the table will love.

Serve this nourishing meal and watch smiles spread as everyone digs into this irresistible culinary creation.

Great Pairings for Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the hearty beef and rich flavors of the dish, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, comforting casserole, balancing the meal's heaviness.
• Match with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumbers or sauerkraut on the side to introduce a bright, acidic element that enhances the beef and cabbage bake's savory profile.
• Select Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve with a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato and beef broth, adding textural variety to the meal.

Additions to Try in Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients, maintaining the same cooking method and flavors.
• Vegetarian Bean Bake: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein option, keeping the spices and layering technique identical.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative instead of regular cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the beef mixture, then top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work great as alternatives, providing similar texture and protein content.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and confirm your broth doesn’t contain gluten additives.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture to increase heat level according to your preference.

• What if I don't have rice on hand?

Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be excellent substitutes, maintaining the dish’s overall structure and adding nutritional value.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Is Filling and Easy

• One-Pan Dish: This recipe requires just a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for families and individuals.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combining protein-rich beef, fiber-loaded cabbage, and hearty rice creates a well-balanced meal that delivers both nutrition and delicious flavor in every bite.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and rice means you can feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank, making it an economical dinner option.

Ingredients for a Hearty Cabbage Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein base.

• Cabbage, Onion: Fresh cabbage adds crunch and onion brings a sweet depth of flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste of the dish.
• Beef Broth: Rich liquid that adds moisture and extra savory notes.

• Rice: A simple grain that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy addition that provides moisture and tangy undertones.

• Cheese: Melty and golden topping that adds a creamy finish.

Cooking Instructions for Beef Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 350°F.

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Place a large skillet on medium heat and add ground beef with diced onions.

Cook the mixture, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is completely browned and the onions are soft and translucent.

Carefully drain away any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.

Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 4: Create the First Layer

Spread half of the shredded cabbage across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating an even base for the next ingredients.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Layers

Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the cabbage layer.

Scatter uncooked rice evenly across the beef.

Step 6: Add Moisture and Tomatoes

Pour diced tomatoes over the rice, ensuring complete coverage.

This will help cook the rice and add extra moisture to the dish.

Step 7: Complete the Cabbage Topping

Layer the remaining cabbage on top of the tomatoes, covering the entire surface.

Step 8: Pour in the Broth

Gently pour beef broth over the entire dish, which will help steam the cabbage and rice.

Step 9: Cover and Bake

Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 10: Cheese and Final Bake

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion.

Tips for Tasty Cabbage and Beef

• Remove as much fat as possible after browning beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter, cleaner flavor profile.
• Rinse rice before adding to prevent clumping and help it absorb flavors more effectively during baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more even coverage across the cabbage beef bake.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the dish's hearty texture and taste.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro after baking to add brightness and fresh flavor to the casserole.

How to Store and Heat Beef Bake Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm refrigerated portions at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, ensuring even heating throughout the dish.
• Heat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute warmth evenly and prevent cold spots.

Comforting Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake delivers comfort through layers of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese. Rustic flavors blend perfectly, making this dish a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/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. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light grease layer.
2. Sauté ground beef and onion in a skillet, cooking thoroughly and eliminating any accumulated fat.
3. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
4. Create the first foundation layer in the baking dish by spreading half of the cabbage evenly across the bottom.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the cabbage base.
6. Sprinkle uncooked rice across the beef layer to create a secondary textural component.
7. Cascade diced tomatoes over the rice, allowing liquid to penetrate the underlying ingredients.
8. Complete the layering process by covering the tomato layer with remaining cabbage fragments.
9. Gently pour beef broth across the entire dish, ensuring moisture penetrates all layers.
10. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
11. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, maintaining covered status.
12. Remove foil, generously scatter cheese over the top, and return to oven.
13. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that reduces saturated fat and calories.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or carrots to the beef mixture, boosting vegetable content and creating more complex flavor layers.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture while cutting down on carbohydrates.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to elevate the flavor profile and add a unique twist to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg