Homestyle Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Comfort arrives in this hearty cabbage beef bake that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Layers of savory meat and tender vegetables create a delightful one-dish wonder.

Cozy casseroles often spark memories of childhood dinners shared around wooden tables.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when such classic recipes emerge from hot ovens.

Crisp cabbage mingles with seasoned ground beef, promising rich flavors in every forkful.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to savor each bite of this satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish.

Fun Combos For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content and adds different nutritional benefits.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole packed with protein and vegetable goodness.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and oregano for a Greek-style transformation that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with a bold flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with rich tannins that complement the hearty ground beef and cut through the casserole's richness.
• Create Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing featuring apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to balance the casserole's savory, dense flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious beef broth and egg mixture, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Light Beer: Choose a German-style lager or amber ale with clean, malty notes that refresh the palate between bites of the dense, protein-packed casserole.

How To Store Cabbage Beef Bake Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• 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 for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Questions About Cabbage Beef Bake

• Is this cabbage casserole healthy?

This casserole provides a balanced meal with lean protein from ground beef, nutrients from cabbage, and moderate calories. It’s lower in carbs compared to traditional casseroles and offers good protein content.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. It will provide similar texture and flavor while reducing overall fat content.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

To avoid excess moisture, ensure you drain the ground beef completely after cooking and use fresh, not frozen cabbage. Pat cabbage dry with paper towels if needed to remove extra liquid before layering.

Why Folks Love Cabbage Beef Bake

• Quicken Meal Prep: This cabbage and ground beef casserole comes together with minimal chopping and straightforward cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast.
• Pack Nutrition Powerhouse: Combining lean ground beef, nutrient-rich cabbage, and protein-packed eggs creates a balanced meal that delivers essential vitamins and minerals in every delicious bite.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: The familiar flavors and hearty ingredients make this casserole a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a simple vegetable into a mouth-watering main dish.
• Low-Carb Champion: By using cabbage as a base instead of pasta or potatoes, this recipe offers a delicious low-carb alternative that doesn't sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

What Goes Into Cabbage Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides a rich protein base for the casserole.

• Cabbage: A nutritious and crunchy vegetable that adds texture and freshness to the dish.

• Eggs, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a cohesive mixture that helps bind the casserole together and adds moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb excess liquid in the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor of the ground beef.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, golden finish with a delicious melted texture.

• Olive Oil: Used to brown the ground beef and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps protect the casserole from burning during baking.

Easy Way To Cook Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Chop Cabbage with Care

Grab your sharpest knife and slice the cabbage into bite-sized chunks. Aim for consistent pieces so every forkful gets equal love.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in the ground beef and break it down into tiny crumbles. The goal is a rich, golden-brown color with zero pink remaining.

Step 4: Season the Meat

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything around to spread those delicious flavors evenly.

Step 5: Create the First Cabbage Layer

Spread half of your chopped cabbage across the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a sturdy green foundation for your casserole.

Step 6: Add the Meaty Layer

Distribute the cooked ground beef uniformly over the cabbage. This becomes your protein-packed layer of deliciousness.

Step 7: Mix the Binding Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and beef broth. Gently fold in breadcrumbs to create a magical binding mixture that’ll hold everything together.

Step 8: Pour the Binding Mixture

Carefully drench the beef with the egg and broth concoction. Make sure every nook and cranny gets covered.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Cabbage

Scatter the rest of the cabbage pieces across the top, creating a beautiful green blanket.

Step 10: Cheese It Up

Shower the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. Let it rain cheese for maximum flavor and golden-brown goodness.

Step 11: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, protecting the cheese from burning.

Step 12: Final Crisp

Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes. This helps the cheese turn golden and slightly crispy.

Step 13: Rest and Serve

After pulling the casserole from the oven, let it chill for 10 minutes. This helps everything set and makes serving a breeze.

Tips To Make Cabbage Beef Bake Better

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose crisp, green cabbage and high-quality ground beef for maximum flavor and nutritional value.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from browned beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat cabbage dry before layering to avoid excess water accumulation and maintain ideal casserole consistency.
• Enhance Seasoning Options: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the overall taste profile and add depth.
• Boost Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian meal variations.

Stalwart Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cabbage beef bake brings rustic comfort straight from European kitchens with layers of savory ground meat and tender cabbage. Melted cheese crowns this satisfying casserole, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetable:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium head cabbage

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Roughly chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking and distribution.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.
4. Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper while cooking, stirring to incorporate flavors evenly.
5. Layer half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a sturdy vegetable base.
6. Spread the cooked ground beef uniformly over the cabbage layer, creating a hearty protein foundation.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and beef broth together, then fold in breadcrumbs to create a cohesive binding mixture.
8. Pour the egg and broth mixture carefully over the beef, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Top the casserole with remaining cabbage pieces, covering the entire surface for balanced texture.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, creating a golden, melty finish.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, protecting the cheese from burning.
12. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow cheese to brown and crisp slightly.
13. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven to set and make serving easier.

Notes

• Prep Cabbage with Care: Chop cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Beef Browning Secret: Brown ground beef thoroughly, breaking into tiny crumbles for maximum flavor absorption and better texture throughout the dish.
• Moisture Management: The egg and broth mixture acts as a binding agent, preventing the casserole from becoming dry and adding rich, savory undertones.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to brown slightly in the final 10 minutes for a crispy, golden top that adds delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 482mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 106mg