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Close-up of a delicious and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake, perfect for a hearty meal.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
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
  • 9x13-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 9x13 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.