EASY CABBAGE BEEF BAKE

I can almost smell the comforting aroma right now, just thinking back to Mom’s kitchen, where Wednesday nights were synonymous with hearty, no-fuss meals that stretched the budget and filled our bellies; the star of many such evenings was her incredible Cabbage Beef Bake, a dish so simple yet satisfying that it became a family staple. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate, and I promise you’ll find it just as easy and delicious as I always have!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cabbage Beef Bake

Okay, friend, let’s be real – weeknights can be chaotic. Between work, kids, errands, and maybe trying to squeeze in a little “me time,” the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. That’s where this Cabbage Beef Bake swoops in to save the day. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s bland cabbage dish. We’re talking layers of flavor, a satisfying texture, and a hearty meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them on hand already!
• Easy to Make: Seriously, it’s mostly layering and baking. Minimal fuss!
• Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and ground beef are economical staples.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences (more on that later!).
• Delicious & Comforting: A warm, savory hug in every bite.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Cabbage Beef Bake Checklist

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list:

• 1 large head of cabbage: Green cabbage is classic, but Savoy cabbage works beautifully too if you want a slightly milder flavor.
• 1-1.5 lbs ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excess grease, but use what you like.
• 1 medium onion: Yellow or white, diced.
• 2-3 cloves garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Or tomato sauce, if that’s what you have.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: For extra sauciness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Because basil and tomatoes are a match made in heaven.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
• Optional: Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend), rice.

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Cabbage Beef Bake Magic Happen

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! Here’s the breakdown:

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

This is probably the most “labor-intensive” part (and I use that term loosely!).

1. Remove the outer leaves: Discard any wilted or damaged outer leaves.
2. Cut into wedges: Cut the cabbage in half through the core, then cut each half into wedges. You want manageable pieces that will cook evenly.
3. Optional: Boil the cabbage: If you want a softer cabbage, you can boil the cabbage wedges for about 5-10 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain well. This step can be skipped if you prefer a firmer texture.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Now for the good stuff!

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Drain the grease: Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy bake!
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Time to build that flavorful sauce!

1. Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Now for the fun part – layering everything together!

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer in a baking dish: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, create the layers:
   • Start with a layer of cabbage wedges.
   • Top with a layer of the beef and tomato sauce mixture.
   • Repeat the layers until all the cabbage and beef mixture are used, ending with a layer of the sauce on top.
   • Optional: If you want to add rice, use it as a layer between the cabbage and the beef sauce.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Almost there!

1. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the top is bubbly.
3. Optional: Add cheese: If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
4. Let it rest: Let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the bake to slice more easily.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cabbage Beef Bake Ever

Okay, now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s talk about some ways to make it even better!

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When browning the beef, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will steam the beef instead of browning it.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings: Before assembling the bake, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
• Get creative with the cheese: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious.
• Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will add a little kick to the bake.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze it for later: Cabbage Beef Bake freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Add other veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies you love. Diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery would all be great additions.

Variations: Cabbage Beef Bake Your Way

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Low-Carb Cabbage Beef Bake: Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead for a low-carb twist.
• Spicy Cabbage Beef Bake: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Italian Cabbage Beef Bake: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add a pinch of fennel seeds to the sauce.
• Mexican Cabbage Beef Bake: Add a can of black beans, a can of corn, and a packet of taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Cabbage Beef Bake Meal

This Cabbage Beef Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Because garlic bread makes everything better.
• Mashed Potatoes: For a truly comforting and indulgent meal.

Other Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of this Cabbage Beef Bake, you’ll definitely want to check out these other comforting recipes:

• For a deeply flavorful and tender beef dish, you can’t go wrong with Instant Pot Chuck Roast With Gravy.
• If you are looking for a quick and flavorful classic, Salisbury Steak will become a family favorite.
• Craving something simple and satisfying? Try these Meatballs – they’re incredibly versatile!
• For a crowd-pleasing pasta dish, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. It’s a guaranteed hit!
• And if you’re in the mood for another easy bake, the Farmhouse Hamburger & Potato Bake is another great option.

Troubleshooting: Cabbage Beef Bake FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• My cabbage is still too firm: If the cabbage is still too firm after baking, cover the dish with foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
• My bake is too watery: Make sure you drain the beef well after browning it. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce to thicken it up.
• My bake is too dry: Add a little extra tomato sauce or broth to the baking dish before baking.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef.
• Can I use a different kind of cabbage? Savoy cabbage is a good substitute for green cabbage. Red cabbage will also work, but it will change the color of the bake.

Get Ready to Bake!

So there you have it, friend! Everything you need to create a delicious and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake. Get ready for a flavorful, budget-friendly meal that your whole family will love. Happy baking!

Easy Cabbage Beef Bake

This Easy Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce create a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It’s customizable and easy to make, making it a staple for any home cook.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 large head of cabbage, green or Savoy
• 1.25 lbs ground beef, lean 90/10
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or blend
• Optional: 1 cup cooked rice

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• knife
• cutting board
• Spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Can opener
• aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove outer leaves from the cabbage and discard. Cut the cabbage into wedges.
3. Optional: Boil the cabbage wedges for 5-10 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well.
4. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
5. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Create layers in the baking dish, starting with a layer of cabbage wedges.
10. Top with a layer of the beef and tomato sauce mixture.
11. Repeat the layers until all the cabbage and beef mixture are used, ending with a layer of the sauce on top.
12. Optional: If using rice, add it as a layer between the cabbage and the beef sauce.
13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the top is bubbly.
15. Optional: If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
16. Let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the beef. Taste and adjust the seasonings of the sauce before assembling the bake. Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan cheese can be used. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat. The assembled bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery can be added to the mixture. For a low-carb version, skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. To thicken a watery bake, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce. If the bake is too dry, add extra tomato sauce or broth before baking. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef. Savoy cabbage is a good substitute for green cabbage.