Cabbage Beef Bake

Sometimes, all you need is a simple yet hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out. The Cabbage Beef Bake is just that! This dish combines tender, seasoned ground beef with perfectly cooked cabbage and a comforting, cheesy topping. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s quick to prepare, and the flavors come together beautifully, giving you a comforting dinner that’s hearty without being heavy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies while still satisfying your craving for something filling and delicious. This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting and easy, but also great for any family gathering or potluck.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Beef Bake

Comforting and Hearty

This casserole is pure comfort food. The combination of tender cabbage and savory ground beef, topped with melted cheese, creates the perfect dish to curl up with after a long day.

Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this recipe comes together quickly and effortlessly. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create this delicious meal!

Budget-Friendly

Packed with inexpensive ingredients, this recipe proves you can make a satisfying and hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Great for Meal Prep

It’s perfect for making ahead and storing leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping.

Healthy-ish Comfort Food

With cabbage as the base, this casserole is a great way to add more veggies to your meal while still indulging in the comforting flavors you crave.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:

• Ground Beef: The hearty, flavorful base of the dish.
• Cabbage: Fresh cabbage provides a tender, slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef and cheese.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and flavor, and helps bring everything together.
• Garlic: For that extra depth of flavor.
• Onion: A savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A gooey, melty topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring the whole dish to life.

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cabbage

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, cut the cabbage into thin strips. You want it to cook down nicely in the casserole, so keep the pieces on the smaller side.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasoning

Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Layer the Cabbage and Beef

In a large baking dish, layer the shredded cabbage first, followed by the beef mixture. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that tasty combo of beef and cabbage.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the beef and cabbage layers. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes, creating that glorious, golden topping.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. For a golden, bubbly top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop out a hearty portion of this cheesy goodness and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 23g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 500mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake

This hearty casserole is perfect for pairing with simple side dishes that balance out the richness of the beef and cheese. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with some garlic bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to this cheesy dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts make a great vegetable side that adds color and nutrition to your meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
• Double the Recipe: This casserole freezes really well, so consider doubling the batch and freezing half for a later meal. Just bake it as directed and freeze it after cooling.
• Use Ground Turkey: You can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to make the dish a bit leaner while still keeping it flavorful.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure it melts well.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?
A3: Yes, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

Q4: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, such as lentils or crumbled tofu.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to ensure it stays warm and delicious.

Q6: Can I freeze this casserole?
A6: Yes! After assembling, cover the casserole tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time.

Q7: Can I use cabbage that’s not fully shredded?
A7: You can use cabbage that’s chopped or cut into larger pieces, but make sure it’s cooked long enough to become tender during baking.

Q8: Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
A8: You can make it lighter by using lean ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables to the mix for extra nutrients.

Q9: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even some hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat.

Q10: What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
A10: Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or even peas for added color and flavor.

Conclusion

The Cabbage Beef Bake is a dish that brings together the comforting flavors of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender cabbage. It’s simple to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner with your family or serving it at a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation!

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