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
Scale
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.
