Name: Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-483828H1M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Beef Filling:; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the Cabbage Layer:; 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded; 1–2 tablespoons olive oil; A pinch of salt (to help soften the cabbage); Additional Ingredients:; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices); 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional for topping)

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Sometimes, the best meals come from combining simple ingredients to create something hearty and satisfying. That’s exactly what this Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is all about. Picture tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese all baked together into a comforting, one-pan dish. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and leaves you with a plateful of pure satisfaction. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes for those cozy nights in!

Why You’ll Love Savory Cabbage Beef Bake

This dish is everything you need in one hearty bake. It’s filling, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Here’s why this bake is sure to steal your heart:

Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this bake works for any occasion. Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to your liking.

Budget-Friendly: You won’t have to break the bank for this one. It’s made with simple, affordable ingredients, yet the flavor feels so much more luxurious than the cost.

Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here—just throw everything together, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic. It’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a breeze too!

Customizable: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. You can also add more veggies or spices to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: With layers of savory beef and tender cabbage, this bake is a hit with kids and adults alike. Everyone will love the cozy, comforting flavors that come together so perfectly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Savory Cabbage Beef Bake:

Ground Beef: The hearty base of this dish that adds richness and savory depth.

Cabbage: Tender, slightly sweet cabbage that softens up beautifully in the oven and soaks up all the savory flavors.

Onion: Adds a nice touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.

Garlic: For that extra burst of savory goodness that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Tomato Paste: A little bit of tang and richness that adds body to the bake.

Beef Broth: Helps tenderize the cabbage and brings everything together in a savory broth.

Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): A generous layer of melted cheese on top adds a creamy, gooey finish that everyone will love.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning round out the flavor profile with just the right touch of spice.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this hearty, flavorful bake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect, even cooking temperature for the beef and cabbage bake.

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. This gives your beef a nice, savory base for the dish.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This builds up that savory flavor for the whole dish.

Combine Beef and Vegetables: Add the tomato paste and beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let everything simmer together for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Prepare the Cabbage: While the beef mixture is simmering, layer the chopped cabbage into a greased 9×13 baking dish. It’s okay if the cabbage seems a little piled up—it will shrink as it cooks.

Assemble the Bake: Pour the beef and veggie mixture over the cabbage, spreading it evenly. Make sure the cabbage is well covered in the savory beef mixture. Then, sprinkle your cheese generously on top. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a delicious, gooey crust.

Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have come together. If you want the cheese to get extra bubbly and golden, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, remove the bake from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Slice it up and enjoy the comforting goodness of this savory dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Environ 350 kcal

(Note: The full nutrition breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 heure

How to Serve Savory Cabbage Beef Bake

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, smooth texture of mashed potatoes complements the savory beef and cabbage perfectly.

Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious juices from the bake.

Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Layer the Cabbage Well: If your cabbage seems too bulky, feel free to chop it into smaller pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili powder to the beef mixture if you like a little extra heat in your dish.

Leftovers: This bake makes great leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat in the oven for a comforting meal.

FAQ’s

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner substitute for the ground beef.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the beef with a plant-based protein or beans to create a vegetarian-friendly version.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Mozzarella, Gouda, or a mix of your favorite cheeses will work just as well in this dish.
What if my cabbage isn’t tender after baking?
If your cabbage isn’t as tender as you’d like, cover the dish with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish for extra veggies.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the cabbage is tender.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add spices like red pepper flakes! It’s generally savory and mildly spiced.
What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is everything you want in a cozy, comforting meal. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and packed with delicious flavors that come together in one pan. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and let this hearty bake bring warmth and satisfaction to your table!

Savory Cabbage Beef Bake

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty, comforting casserole that layers tender ground beef and fresh shredded cabbage with robust seasonings and a rich tomato base. Baked to perfection, this dish is ideal for a family dinner or meal-prep option, delivering a satisfying mix of savory flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Prepare the Cabbage:
- In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This helps to soften the cabbage during baking and enhances its flavor.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased 9×9-inch (or similar size) casserole dish, spread the seasoned cabbage evenly to form a base layer.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the cabbage, ensuring an even distribution.
- If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the cheese (if added) is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a hearty main dish with a side salad or crusty bread.

Notes

For a leaner version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Adjust seasoning according to your taste; feel free to add extra herbs or spices.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.