The Coziest Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Tucked within this hearty cabbage beef bake lies a comforting meal that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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

Families adore this simple yet robust casserole that brings everyone around the table.

Seasoned with classic herbs and spices, each bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness.

Nutritious ingredients combine effortlessly to craft a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Generous portions ensure no one leaves the table hungry, with leftovers that taste even better the next day.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Hits The Spot

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A delightful one-pan meal that combines classic ingredients with maximum satisfaction.
• Create Quick Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious, filling dish that comes together with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.
• Pack Protein-Rich Nutrition: Loaded with ground beef and cabbage, this casserole delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and energized without complicated cooking techniques.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Transforms simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering dinner that feels like a gourmet experience, elevating everyday cooking with minimal effort.

Ingredients For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Cabbage, Onions, Garlic: A classic combination that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: Essential spices that boost the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds umami and depth to the meat mixture.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the savory flavor of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, bubbling surface.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, textured layer that provides delightful crunch to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables.

Instructions For Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a light greasing to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into tiny pieces until no pink remains.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in the onions and garlic, letting them dance around the beef until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Add Cabbage

• Chopped cabbage
• Sautéed beef
• Onions
• Garlic

Step 5: Season the Mixture

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything thoroughly to spread the deliciousness evenly.

Step 6: Create a Savory Sauce

Pour beef broth into the skillet, letting everything simmer and create a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the beef and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer of yumminess.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Goodness

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Create a Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese to give your casserole an irresistible crispy finish.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly cheese and golden-brown edges.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes serving easier.

Top Tips For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Boost Meat Browning: Cook ground beef on high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors and prevent soggy texture.
• Optimize Cabbage Texture: Chop cabbage into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking to maintain a slight crunch in the casserole.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme to add complexity and richness to the meat mixture.
• Perfect Cheese Topping: Grate cheese fresh and distribute evenly for maximum meltability and golden-brown coverage.
• Control Moisture Balance: Simmer beef mixture with broth to keep the casserole juicy without becoming watery.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile.
• Ground Turkey Lean Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey to create a lighter, lower-fat protein alternative that still provides hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining the creamy, cheesy topping without traditional dairy.
• Vegetarian Protein Transformation: Replace ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils to craft a completely vegetarian casserole that keeps the original recipe's comforting essence.

What To Serve With Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel complements the hearty beef and rich cheese, cutting through the casserole's savory depth with its tannic structure.
• Create Crisp Green Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding refreshing acidity and palate-cleansing crispness.
• Serve Rustic Crusty Bread: Offer warm sourdough or French bread to soak up the casserole's delicious sauce, providing extra texture and helping diners mop up every flavorful bite.
• Match with Tangy Pickles: Include dill pickle spears or quick-pickled vegetables on the side to introduce a sharp, briny contrast that enhances the dish's robust meat and cheese profile.

How To Store Cabbage Beef Bake

• Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, storing up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, adding extra cheese if desired.

Cabbage Beef Bake FAQs

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

This cabbage beef casserole is relatively low-carb, with cabbage replacing traditional high-carbohydrate ingredients like pasta or rice. The recipe contains minimal carbohydrates from onions and breadcrumbs.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this casserole. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring similar flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

To avoid excess liquid, drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning and ensure the cabbage is not overly wet. Sautéing the vegetables helps reduce moisture content before baking.

Substantial Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “Cabbage Beef Bake” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending robust ground beef with tender cabbage layers. Savory seasonings and melted cheese create a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups chopped beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth release of the casserole.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate chopped cabbage into the meat mixture, stirring continuously to distribute evenly and allow the cabbage to begin softening.
5. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly to develop rich, complementary flavors.
6. Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and create a slight sauce that will keep the casserole moist during baking.
7. Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling finish.
9. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs to create a crispy, textured topping that will add crunch to the casserole.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges turn golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to make this recipe more diet-friendly and lower in fat.
• Try adding grated carrots or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color variation in the casserole.
• Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg