Of course! A Cabbage Beef Bake is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, satisfying, and wonderfully simple to make. It’s a complete meal in one dish, often compared to a deconstructed, low-carb stuffed cabbage roll or a savory cabbage casserole.
Here’s a classic, foolproof recipe that will warm you up from the inside out.
Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake
This recipe layers flavorful ground beef with tender cabbage and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese for the perfect finish.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 is ideal)
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon dried thyme
· 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce (about 3 cups)
· 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
· 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2-3 lbs), cored and chopped into 1-2 inch pieces
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
· 2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of mozzarella and cheddar is perfect)
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef and Onion:
· In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
· Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
· Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Build the Sauce:
· Return the skillet to the heat. Stir in the dried oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
· Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bake:
· Spread about one-third of the chopped cabbage evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
· Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cabbage layer.
· Add another third of the cabbage, followed by the remaining half of the meat sauce.
· Top with the final third of the cabbage. The dish will be very full, but the cabbage will wilt down significantly as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection:
· Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
· Bake for 30 minutes.
· Carefully remove the foil (steam will be hot!). The cabbage should be tender. If it’s still a bit crisp, re-cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
· Once tender, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
· Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly spotted with gold.
- Serve:
· Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Beef Bake
· Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Draining the excess fat after browning the beef prevents the casserole from being greasy.
· Wilting the Cabbage (Optional Time-Saver): For a quicker bake and to ensure the cabbage is extra tender, you can quickly wilt it before assembling. After chopping, place the cabbage in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, cover, and microwave for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain well before using.
· Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
· Add Grains: For a more traditional “casserole” feel, you can mix 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown) into the meat sauce before layering.
· Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
This dish is the definition of comfort—simple, hearty, and incredibly delicious. Enjoy