Cabbage Beef Bake is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table hungry and leaves them satisfied and smiling. Imagine savory ground beef mingled with sweet, tender cabbage, all folded into a saucy tomato base, then baked under a melty duo of cheese until golden and bubbling. Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or looking for a gluten-free dish that won’t disappoint, this casserole delivers. It’s an easy, one-pan meal with craveable flavor in every bite, and you’ll want to add Cabbage Beef Bake to your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to make a standout Cabbage Beef Bake. Each component plays a key role in building a casserole that’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with slow-cooked flavor—without the wait.

Ground Beef: The rich, savory foundation of the casserole, providing depth and protein—opt for lean or regular depending on your taste and pantry.
Olive Oil: A splash adds silkiness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
Onion: This aromatic base brings sweet, mellow flavor as it caramelizes with the beef.
Garlic: A must for instant warmth and that irresistible savory aroma.
Green Cabbage: The star ingredient—chopped and cooked just enough to be tender but never mushy, it bulks up the casserole with sweetness and gorgeous color.
Diced Tomatoes (canned): Adds juiciness and a fresh, tangy note that lifts the whole dish.
Tomato Sauce: Pulls everything together with mellow, saucy richness.
Dried Oregano: Gives the Cabbage Beef Bake an herby kick—don’t skip!
Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, it boosts both savory and sweet notes in the dish.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
Black Pepper: For gentle heat and a hint of sharpness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection over the top, ensuring each bite is luscious.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and that gorgeous, bubbly crust when baked.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled at the end for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.

How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and gets those cheesy layers beautifully golden. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or nonstick spray, so cleanup is a breeze and nothing sticks.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until fully browned, which should take 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep your Cabbage Beef Bake hearty but not greasy.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, and let them mingle with the beef for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for the onion to soften and the kitchen to fill with that mouthwatering, comforting aroma that signals something delicious is on the way.

Step 4: Wilt the Cabbage

Toss in the chopped cabbage, then cook everything together for 5 to 7 minutes. Give it a gentle stir every now and then so the cabbage wilts evenly without losing its lovely texture. It doesn’t have to be fully tender yet, as the oven will do the rest.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle over the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just a bit before baking the Cabbage Beef Bake to perfection.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish and spread the mixture out evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese right over the top—don’t be shy, this layer is what gives you that irresistible cheesy pull! Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 7: Get Golden

After the first bake, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for 10 more minutes. This is where the cheese gets bubbly and starts to brown in spots. Let your beautiful Cabbage Beef Bake sit for 5 minutes before serving so each slice holds together perfectly.

How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake

Garnishes

A little flourish on top goes a long way! Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the Cabbage Beef Bake just before serving. Not only does it look lively, but the herbal flavor brightens every cheesy forkful. For an extra boost, try a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a few chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Cabbage Beef Bake is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with plenty of sides. Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the richness, or offer up some roasted potatoes for extra coziness. Steamed green beans or a quick cucumber salad make for lighter, fresher pairings.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a casual gathering, try baking in individual ramekins for personal casseroles—adorable and fun! For family-style meals, scoop generous helpings right from the baking dish. Or serve on a platter and top with extra herbs, letting the golden cheese be the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cabbage Beef Bake stores beautifully—simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s ideal for meal prepping lunches or easy leftover dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a future busy day, Cabbage Beef Bake is freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly in both plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep its best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion or the entire bake in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot—about 20 minutes for a whole casserole or 5 to 10 minutes for a single serving. The microwave works too, but gently heat in intervals so the cheese stays melty and the cabbage doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey (or even pork) is a great substitute in Cabbage Beef Bake if you prefer a lighter flavor or just want to mix things up. The casserole will still be juicy and satisfying, and the spices and sauce keep it just as flavorful.

Is this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, Cabbage Beef Bake is naturally lower in carbs, making it a tasty option for low-carb or keto diets. You can reduce the carb count further by using no-sugar-added tomato sauce or decreasing the amount used to fit your dietary needs.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate it, then bake when you’re ready to eat. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

The secret is to only wilt the cabbage slightly on the stovetop and not overcook it before baking. The oven will finish the job while keeping a pleasant bite to the cabbage, ensuring your Cabbage Beef Bake never turns mushy.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness, while cheddar brings bold flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of Parmesan for added depth. Go with your favorites or whatever’s in your cheese drawer!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing weeknight wonder or a nostalgic dish that manages to feel both classic and crave-worthy, you won’t regret trying Cabbage Beef Bake. It’s my go-to when I want something cozy, nourishing, and dependable, and I sincerely hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, cabbage, and gooey melted cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is a winner for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped

Sauce and Cheese Topping:

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer to blend flavors.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.