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
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Roughly chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even cooking and distribution.
- 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.
- Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper while cooking, stirring to incorporate flavors evenly.
- Layer half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a sturdy vegetable base.
- Spread the cooked ground beef uniformly over the cabbage layer, creating a hearty protein foundation.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and beef broth together, then fold in breadcrumbs to create a cohesive binding mixture.
- Pour the egg and broth mixture carefully over the beef, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Top the casserole with remaining cabbage pieces, covering the entire surface for balanced texture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top, creating a golden, melty finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, protecting the cheese from burning.
- Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow cheese to brown and crisp slightly.
- 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