Description
This Cabbage Beef Bake is a warm and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward cooking methods for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release their flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and pour the beef and cabbage mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with cheddar or any cheese of your liking or omit it for a dairy-free option.
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce fat content.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
