Cabbage Beef Bake

🥘 Cabbage Beef Bake

A hearty, budget-friendly casserole made with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce baked together with melted cheese. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

⏱ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

• Total Time: ~55 minutes

• Servings: 6

🥬 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.

3. Add Aromatics
   Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add Cabbage
   Add chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.

5. Season & Sauce
   Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.

6. Assemble the Bake
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

7. Add Cheese
   Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.

8. Bake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

9. Rest & Serve
   Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• crusty bread

• mashed potatoes

• rice or quinoa

• a fresh green salad

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container

• Freezer: Up to 2 months

• Reheat: Microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

⭐ Tips

• Add ½ cup cooked rice for a more traditional cabbage casserole.

• Mix in bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes! This dish is naturally low-carb if you skip adding rice.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

Q: Why cook the cabbage first?
Pre-cooking softens it and prevents excess water from forming during baking.