If you are searching for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It perfectly balances the savory richness of ground beef with the wholesome crunch of cabbage, all melded together with juicy tomatoes and melty cheddar cheese. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite satisfying and nourishing, delivering a taste of cozy home cooking that’s both simple to make and full of personality. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will bring joy to your dinner table with its vibrant colors and delicious depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it straightforward with ingredients that are easy to find but crucial for building layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a role, from the savory ground beef to the fresh cabbage that adds a lovely bite, making the Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe both nutritious and scrumptiously fulfilling.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that’s packed with protein and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped: Offers a fresh, crunchy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the meat.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juiciness and a slight acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Acts as a hearty filler that soaks up the delicious juices.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the bake with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors for a balanced taste.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice without overpowering.
- ½ cup beef broth: Keeps the dish moist and helps meld the layers together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a golden, bubbling crust that crowns the bake beautifully.
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bake cooks evenly and I promise, the non-stick surface helps when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is cooked through and the onions become soft and fragrant. This step develops the savory base of the dish and the aroma fills the kitchen with nostalgia.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings elevate the beef and onion mixture, infusing it with warmth and a well-rounded taste.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Begin layering by spreading half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Next, add the seasoned beef and onion mixture on top. Sprinkle the cooked rice over the beef layer, then pour the entire can of diced tomatoes, with their juice, evenly across. Finish this layering by adding the remaining cabbage on top. This construction creates an inviting meld of flavors as everything bakes together.
Step 5: Add Broth and Bake Covered
Gently pour the beef broth over the assembled layers to keep everything juicy and tender during baking. Cover the dish with foil tightly and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften and the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the initial baking is done, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final touch gives the Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe its wonderfully cheesy, satisfying finish.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your bake cool slightly before slicing and serving. This step helps the layers set and makes dishing out those warm, cheesy portions so much easier.
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish. A dollop of sour cream can also create a creamy contrast that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with simple green salads for a lighter touch or crusty bread rolls for soaking up every bit of those savory juices. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans make wonderful vegetable sides as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, serve the bake in mini individual casserole dishes or ramekins. Alternatively, turn leftovers into hearty stuffed bell peppers by scooping some bake into halved peppers and warming them under the broiler for a new twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 3 days, making lunchtime or next-day dinners a breeze to enjoy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. Freeze it in portion-sized containers before baking, or freeze fully cooked leftovers. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover the dish to retain moisture, and if baking, add a little extra shredded cheese on top for a fresh, melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice in the Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While white rice works great, you can swap in brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier or nuttier flavor. Just make sure whatever grain you use is fully cooked before layering in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use cooked lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian option. Just adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors to your liking.
Can I prepare this Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a few hours or even the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake right before serving. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
What’s the best way to prevent the cabbage from getting too soggy?
Chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and layering it thoughtfully helps maintain some texture. Also, avoid adding too much broth and make sure to cover the dish while baking to keep moisture balanced.
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar cheese?
Yes, mozzarella is a great option if you prefer a milder, stretchier cheese topping. It melts beautifully and creates a lovely golden crust, though cheddar adds a sharper flavor that complements the dish well.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is truly a comforting classic that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special every time. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and invites everyone around the table to slow down and savor. I hope you try it out soon and enjoy many cozy, cheesy bites as much as I do!
Print
Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake combining ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy casserole is perfect for a family dinner and packed with savory flavors that come together in a simple bake.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness in the dish.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Layer Cabbage: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add Beef Mixture: Evenly spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the cabbage layer.
- Add Rice: Sprinkle the cooked rice on top of the beef layer evenly.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, evenly over the rice layer.
- Top with Remaining Cabbage: Spread the remaining chopped cabbage on top of the tomato layer.
- Add Broth: Gently pour the beef broth over the entire dish to add moisture for baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes to let flavors meld and cabbage cook tender.
- Remove Foil: Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish to prepare for cheese topping.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly for easier serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, enjoying this comforting, cheesy cabbage and beef bake.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the beef broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save prep time.
