Tender Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Win

Hearty and comforting, this cabbage beef bake combines classic flavors that’ll make your dinner table sing with satisfaction.

Layers of tender ground meat nestle between soft cabbage leaves, creating a delightful meal everyone craves.

Packed with robust seasonings, the dish brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in one pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup.

Nutritious and filling, each bite promises a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Home cooks searching for a no-fuss meal will adore this recipe’s straightforward approach.

Dive right in and savor every delicious forkful of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Flavor Swaps For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Cabbage Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter, keto-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Cabbage Bake: Swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth and adding mushrooms for extra umami flavor.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and diced tomatoes, using lamb instead of beef to create a Greek-inspired casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, mixing in black beans and corn for a zesty southwestern profile.

Great Sides For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich, meaty flavors of this hearty beef and cabbage casserole, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread rubbed with fresh garlic provides a perfect crunchy side that soaks up the savory meat juices and adds textural contrast.
• Complement with Tangy Slaw: A light, vinegar-based coleslaw with a hint of sweetness balances the casserole's depth, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy main dish.
• Match with Hoppy Beer: An amber ale or dark lager with caramel notes enhances the beef's umami flavor and stands up to the robust cheese and meat combination.

How To Store Cabbage Beef Bake Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole 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, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Cabbage Beef Bake FAQs To Know

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this beef and cabbage casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat portions throughout the week for quick, delicious meals.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground pork work great as substitutes for ground beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well before assembling the casserole.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. Also, double-check that your beef broth is gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe meets gluten-free requirements.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

This casserole is relatively low-carb due to the cabbage base and minimal breadcrumb topping.

What Makes Cabbage Beef Bake So Comforting

• Create Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with rich, robust flavors that hugs your taste buds and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Perfect for home cooks wanting to explore basic culinary skills like browning meat, layering ingredients, and creating a golden cheese crust.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly Family Meal: Transforms affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and basic seasonings into a satisfying, nutritious dinner that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Cabbage Beef Bake Ingredients To Grab

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the casserole.
• Beef Chuck: Tender meat that brings additional texture and robust beef flavor.

• Cabbage, Onions, Green Bell Pepper: Provide a hearty base and complementary vegetable layers with fresh, crisp qualities.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Tomato Paste, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a robust and well-seasoned meat mixture with complex flavor dimensions.
• Egg, Beef Broth: Help bind the casserole ingredients and provide moisture for a cohesive texture.

• Breadcrumbs: Offer a crispy, golden crust that adds textural contrast.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a rich, creamy layer that adds a delicious golden finish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a medium for browning meats and sautéing vegetables.

How To Cook Cabbage Beef Bake Simply

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a large baking dish. Coat the entire surface with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and beef chuck, cooking until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust that screams flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped green bell peppers

Cook until the vegetables turn soft and start releasing their amazing aromas.

Step 4: Season The Mixture

• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly so each bite gets maximum taste.

Step 5: Create The Cabbage Base

Spread chopped cabbage across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a hearty foundation for your casserole.

Step 6: Layer The Meat

Pour the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the cabbage layer, making sure to cover completely.

Step 7: Add Moisture

Whisk an egg with beef broth in a small bowl. Pour this liquid mixture across the entire casserole to keep everything juicy.

Step 8: Create A Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to give your casserole a delightful crispy texture.

Step 9: Cheese It Up

Cover the entire surface with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown cheese and tender cabbage.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes serving much easier.

Tips For Juicy Cabbage Beef Bake

• Prep Like a Pro: Grease the baking dish generously to prevent stubborn sticking and ensure easy serving.
• Meat Mastery: Brown ground and chuck beef at high heat to lock in deep, caramelized flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Layer with Love: Create even, dense cabbage and meat layers to guarantee balanced bites and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Cheese Crown: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar for a richer, more intense flavor profile that complements the robust meat mixture.
• Rest and Relax: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking, letting ingredients meld and juices redistribute for maximum deliciousness.

Robust Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake brings rustic comfort straight from European kitchens to dinner tables. Layers of tender beef, caramelized cabbage, and rich seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed

Vegetables:

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

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown ground beef and cubed beef chuck until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even seasoning distribution.
5. Layer chopped cabbage across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, dense base.
6. Spread the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture uniformly over the cabbage layer.
7. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with beef broth, then pour the liquid mixture evenly across the casserole.
8. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top to create a crispy, golden crust.
9. Generously cover the entire surface with shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and the cabbage becomes tender.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Slice cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the bake.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed pork rinds or almond meal for low-carb and keto-friendly variations.
• Add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the casserole’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 436
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 562 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg