Cabbage Beef Bake

Wow, I just made the best meal ever. It’s a yummy Cabbage Beef Bake. I can’t wait to share it with you!

I love how the cabbage turns soft and sweet. The beef is so juicy, oh my gosh. Plus, it smells amazing while it bakes.

I feel so happy when it’s cooking in the oven. My tummy gets excited just thinking about it. My friends always ask for seconds.

So, let’s make it together, okay? If you want an easy dinner, try this Cabbage Beef Bake. You’ll be so glad you did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: A warm, filling meal that satisfies like a cozy casserole.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients with big flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge, making leftovers just as delicious.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimal cleanup for a stress-free dinner.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to fit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

This recipe serves 6 people as a main dish. Need more? Double the recipe and use a larger baking dish.

Difficulty

This dish is easy to make, even for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and everything bakes together beautifully.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet – for browning the beef and sautéing the onions.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – to bake the casserole.
• Cutting board and knife – for chopping the cabbage and onions.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – to stir the beef mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.

Key Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

• Ground Beef – The base of this dish, adding richness and protein.
• Onion – Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Cabbage – Becomes tender and absorbs the seasonings beautifully.
• Diced Tomatoes – Brings moisture and a hint of acidity to balance the richness.
• Cooked Rice – Helps thicken the casserole and makes it more filling.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts on top for a golden, cheesy finish.
• Beef Broth – Keeps the dish moist and infuses it with extra flavor.

Variations for Cabbage Beef Bake

• Use Turkey or Chicken: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
• Go Low-Carb: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead.
• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms work great.

How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef and Onions

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
• Once the beef is partially cooked, add the chopped onions. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Season the Beef

• Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef mixture evenly.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth

• Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth.
• Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Layer the Cabbage

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread a layer of chopped cabbage at the bottom.
• Spoon half of the beef mixture over the cabbage.
• Sprinkle half of the cooked rice evenly on top.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage, beef, and rice.

5. Bake the Dish

• Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Let It Rest & Serve

• Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra black pepper, if desired.

Storing and Reheating Cabbage Beef Bake

This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

Refrigerator Storage:

• Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer Storage:

• Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes.
• If already baked, let it cool, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot.

Tips and Tricks for Success

✔ Use Fresh Cabbage: Avoid pre-cut bagged cabbage—it tends to release too much moisture. Freshly chopped cabbage holds up better in baking.

✔ Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess grease prevents the casserole from becoming too oily.

✔ Season Generously: Cabbage absorbs flavors, so make sure to season the dish well for the best taste.

✔ Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.

✔ Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (1/6th of the dish):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	380 kcal
Protein	26g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	18g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	650mg

Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Cabbage Beef Bake FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Let it cool, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I use uncooked rice?

For best results, use cooked rice. If using uncooked rice, add ½ cup extra broth and bake 10 minutes longer.

What other cheeses can I use?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan work well in this dish!

Conclusion

This Cabbage Beef Bake is a warm, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s great for meal prep and leftovers. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread, and enjoy a wholesome homemade meal.