If you’re searching for a comforting meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this delightful Cabbage Beef Bake. Packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a medley of ingredients, this hearty casserole is not only easy to prepare but also a satisfying option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The best part? It provides all the nutrients you need while being incredibly flavorful. The combination of beef, cabbage, rice, and fragrant tomatoes creates a dish that truly warms the soul.
This Cabbage Beef Bake is so versatile that you can customize it to cater to your family’s taste preferences. If you like it mild, keep the seasoning light; if you want a bit of a kick, don’t hesitate to add some extra spices. Plus, with a luscious layer of melted cheddar cheese on top, it offers that comforting finish we all crave. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry and fridge.
- Flavorful Layering: The layers of cabbage, beef, and cheese meld together to create a delightful harmony of flavors.
- Versatile Options: Easily swap out or add ingredients based on what you have or dietary needs.
- Hearty and Filling: One serving is enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking, it stores well for leftovers!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious recipe, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients—ground beef, chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, cheese, and spices. This way, you’ll have everything at your fingertips as you cook. You’ll need a large skillet for browning the beef and onions, as well as a 9×13-inch baking dish to create this delightful bake.
Additionally, get all the necessary measuring tools, like spoons and cups, to ensure accuracy with your spices and grains. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Having a lined baking sheet nearby for catching any drips while baking can also save you post-cooking cleanup time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or oil. This will ensure easy removal of the baked casserole once it’s finished and will help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the beef browns and the onion becomes translucent. This will take about 6-8 minutes. As you cook, remember to drain any excess fat for a leaner dish. Once browned, combine in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to impart great flavor throughout the meat mixture.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
With your beef mixture ready, it’s time to build the layers of your dish. Start by layering half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of your greased baking dish. This layer will act as a base that soaks up all the flavors. Next, evenly spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over this layer. Follow this with the cooked rice, which serves as a filling component. Finally, pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the rice, ensuring even distribution. Finish by adding the remaining cabbage over the top and drizzle with beef broth, which will keep everything moist while baking.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial, as it traps steam inside the dish, allowing the cabbage to soften beautifully and the flavors to meld together. Bake for 45 minutes; this will be the perfect amount of time for the dish to begin cooking through.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the 45 minutes are up, carefully remove the foil. This will allow steam to escape and begin to brown the edges. Now, it’s time to finish your dish off with cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cheese generously over the top, then return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbling, creating a glorious cheesy top that complements the casserole.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Cabbage Beef Bake is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this step ensures it sets properly for easy serving. If desired, feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a healthier alternative.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to increase the veggie content.
- Spices: Change the flavor profile with smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne if you enjoy some heat.
Cooking Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a can of cream of mushroom soup with the beef mixture.
- Don’t forget to taste as you go; adjust seasonings according to your palette!
- If you have leftovers, this dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
- For a lower-carb alternative, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad on the side for a refreshing contrast to the warm bake.
- Serve with crusty bread to scoop up all the deliciousness!
Tips
- Always let your casserole sit before serving; this will help it firm up and make for cleaner slices.
- For extra cheesiness, replace some cheddar with mozzarella or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor by using homemade beef broth if time allows.
- If you prefer a crunchier top, broil the bake for a few minutes after baking.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
FAQs
Can I make this Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and then cover and refrigerate it for a day. Just add a bit more baking time if it goes in cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for the rice?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb option, consider using quinoa, barley, or cauliflower rice.
Is it necessary to use beef broth?
The beef broth adds moisture and flavor, but you can replace it with vegetable broth or omit it entirely if you prefer a drier casserole.
Conclusion
This Cabbage Beef Bake is not just a meal; it’s comfort food at its finest. Combining the wholesome goodness of beef and cabbage with the rich flavor of cheese creates a dish that’s hard to resist. We encourage you to try this recipe, make it your own, and perhaps even share it with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it up at a gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your experience in the comments below!
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Cabbage Beef Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting meal packed with tender cabbage and savory ground beef that’s perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or oil.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the beef browns and the onion becomes translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Combine in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over this layer. Follow with the cooked rice, then pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the rice, ensuring even distribution. Finish with the remaining cabbage and drizzle with beef broth.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 25 grams