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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic qualities.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly blending the ingredients until well-incorporated.
- Spread the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors throughout the protein base.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture over the cabbage layer, creating a compact and uniform top coating.
- Drizzle tomato sauce across the beef layer, allowing it to seep into the meat and provide moisture and additional depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a golden, melty finish that will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and taste.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, ensuring the cabbage becomes tender and the beef is thoroughly cooked.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to brown and crisp, creating a delectable crusty top.
- 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