Savory Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Hearty and comforting, this delectable cabbage beef bake brings warmth to your dinner table.

Layers of savory meat and tender vegetables create a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Rustic and unpretentious, the dish combines simple ingredients with remarkable flavor profiles.

Affordable and easy to prepare, it speaks to home cooks seeking delicious yet uncomplicated meals.

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

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Gather your ingredients and let’s make something truly memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best Sides For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Pair Savory Red Wine with Robust Flavors: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich beef and cheese, cutting through the hearty protein and enhancing the casserole's deep, meaty profile.
• Create Crisp Salad Contrast: Prepare a tangy green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding brightness and refreshing acidity that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Select Rustic Side Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the tomato sauce and cheese, providing a delightful textural accompaniment that matches the casserole's robust character.

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.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Cabbage Beef Bake Questions Answered

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time. Portion and store in airtight containers for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes for beef. The recipe remains the same, providing flexibility for various protein preferences.

• How do I know if the beef is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring safe and properly cooked ground beef throughout the casserole.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Is So Filling And Comforting

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Combine protein, vegetables, and cheese in one pan for a no-fuss meal that eliminates multiple cooking steps and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Customize for Picky Eaters: Easily adjust ingredients like cheese type, meat, or add extra seasonings to suit different taste preferences without compromising the dish's core structure.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Deliver a hearty, nutritious meal that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with protein and vegetables in a deliciously comforting casserole format.
• Budget-Conscious Cooking: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Cabbage Beef Bake Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides the main substance and flavor of the casserole.
• Cabbage: A nutritious vegetable that creates a tender base layer with a subtle, slightly sweet taste.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and rich, savory notes to the overall dish.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Milk: These components help bind the meat mixture together and keep it moist and tender.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy, slightly sweet undertone to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Creates a golden, melty finish that adds richness and visual appeal to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle flavor base.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking.

Steps To Make Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Cabbage

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Grab a fresh cabbage and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Spread these pieces evenly across a greased baking dish, creating a solid green foundation for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Finely dice an onion and mince some garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook these vegetables until they become soft and release their amazing fragrant qualities.

Step 3: Mix The Protein Base

• Ground beef
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Layer The Sautéed Vegetables

Fold the golden-brown onion and garlic mixture into the beef blend, ensuring the flavors are distributed evenly throughout the protein.

Step 5: Create The Meat Layer

Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the cabbage base, creating a smooth and compact top layer that will become wonderfully delicious.

Step 6: Add Moisture And Flavor

Drizzle tomato sauce across the meat layer, allowing it to seep in and provide extra moisture and rich taste.

Step 7: Top With Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, which will create a mouth-watering golden crust.

Step 8: Bake The Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This ensures the cabbage becomes tender and the beef cooks completely.

Step 9: Crisp The Cheese Topping

Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of cooking. This allows the cheese to brown and develop a delightful crispy texture.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving much easier.

Pro Cooking Tips For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Optimize Cabbage Preparation: Chop cabbage into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Master Flavor Layering: Sauté onions and garlic thoroughly to develop a rich, aromatic base that deeply enhances the overall taste profile.
• Perfect Meat Mixture: Mix ground beef ingredients gently but thoroughly, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender, juicy meat texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Drizzle tomato sauce carefully to add moisture without making the casserole too wet, preserving the ideal consistency.
• Achieve Golden Topping: Uncover the dish during the final cooking stage to create a beautifully browned, crispy cheese layer that adds texture and visual appeal.

Fun Variations Of Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole that keeps the dish's hearty essence.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising the casserole's creamy topping.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme into the beef mixture, adding a Mediterranean-inspired flavor complexity to the traditional recipe.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake delivers comfort straight from traditional German kitchens, blending rustic charm with rich, satisfying flavors. Savory ground beef and tender cabbage layers create a wholesome meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head cabbage
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly core and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, creating a uniform base layer in a greased baking dish.
2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic qualities.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly blending the ingredients until well-incorporated.
4. Spread the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the protein base.
5. Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the cabbage layer, creating a compact and uniform top coating.
6. Drizzle tomato sauce across the beef layer, allowing it to seep into the meat and provide moisture and additional depth of flavor.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a golden, melty finish that will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and taste.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, ensuring the cabbage becomes tender and the beef is thoroughly cooked.
9. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to brown and crisp, creating a delectable crusty top.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to serve.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter protein option that maintains the dish’s hearty texture.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate guests with wheat sensitivities.
• Consider adding grated carrots or diced bell peppers to the cabbage layer for extra nutritional value and vibrant color complexity.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar to customize the flavor profile and create a unique taste experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg