If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese, then this Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, rich flavors, and satisfying textures, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving up a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this bake offers a delightful, homestyle meal that’s as nutritious as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a balanced, flavorful dish. The simple combination of beef, cabbage, and rice is elevated by spices and cheese, bringing together comfort and nutrition in each bite.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star protein that adds richness and hearty flavor.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with beef.
- Chopped cabbage (3 cups): Provides a tender yet slightly crisp texture and a fresh veggie boost.
- Can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained: Brings juiciness and a touch of acidity for balance.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): Offers a comforting base that soaks up the delicious juices.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to the bake.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Gives a gentle spicy kick to keep your taste buds engaged.
- Beef broth (½ cup): Keeps the bake moist and adds extra savoriness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your bake will cook evenly and not stick to the pan, making cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef alongside the chopped onion until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. This mix forms the savory foundation of your dish; don’t rush this step as it develops those rich, hearty flavors.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy, then stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat mixture with warm, balanced seasoning. These spices create a beautiful background flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Step 4: Layer Your Ingredients
Begin your assembly by spreading half of the chopped cabbage evenly across the baking dish. Layer the beef mixture over the cabbage, followed by a generous sprinkle of cooked rice. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes on top—this will bring wonderful moisture and tang. Finish by adding the remaining cabbage in a final layer.
Step 5: Add Broth and Bake
Gently pour the beef broth over the entire dish to keep everything juicy during baking. Cover your dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
After the initial bake, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven, baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden-brown crust—this is comfort food at its finest.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the bake to cool slightly to settle all the flavors. This rest will make serving cleaner and the taste even better, so be patient – it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh splash of color and flavor, garnish your cabbage beef bake with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of green onions. These simple touches brighten the dish and complement its rich, cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans. The freshness cuts through the richness while creating a beautifully balanced meal that your whole family will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try scooping individual portions into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for charming, personalized servings. This approach makes the dish feel extra special, whether for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage beef bake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover and store to maintain its tenderness and flavor, making it an excellent next-day meal option.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to preserve the crispy cheese topping and warm center. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power, covered, monitoring closely to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner alternative and will still deliver great flavor, especially if you adjust seasoning slightly to enhance its milder taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use extra mushrooms and beans for a filling, meat-free version.
What type of rice works best in this recipe?
White rice or brown rice both work well as long as they are cooked before assembling. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the beef and onion mixture ahead of time and chop the cabbage to save time on the day you bake it. Just assemble and bake when ready.
How spicy is the Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can always add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make, wonderfully satisfying, and perfect for feeding family or friends. I hope you enjoy this hearty, cheesy comfort food as much as I do—once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting one-dish meal combining ground beef, fresh cabbage, cooked rice, and diced tomatoes, topped off with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, it offers a flavorful and wholesome dinner option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft, ensuring the meat is fully cooked.
- Drain Fat: Remove the skillet from heat and drain excess fat to reduce grease in the dish.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the beef and onion mixture to enhance flavor.
- First Cabbage Layer: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Add Beef Layer: Evenly distribute the prepared beef mixture over the cabbage layer in the dish.
- Add Rice: Sprinkle the cooked rice evenly atop the beef layer to add heartiness.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the canned diced tomatoes, including the juice, over the rice layer for moisture and flavor.
- Second Cabbage Layer: Add the remaining chopped cabbage as the next layer on top.
- Add Broth: Gently pour beef broth over the entire dish to keep it moist during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook and meld flavors.
- Remove Foil: Carefully remove the foil covering from the baking dish after the initial baking period.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the bake to cool slightly to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal that combines savory beef, tender cabbage, and cheesy goodness.
Notes
- For a low-carb variation, substitute cauliflower rice for the cooked rice.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to increase the nutrient profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor or mild for a creamier taste.
