Name: Cabbage Beef Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small head of cabbage, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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This Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s baked to perfection and optionally topped with melty cheddar cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef

1 small head of cabbage, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.

While the beef mixture simmers, steam or sauté the chopped cabbage in a separate pan until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

In a casserole dish, layer half of the cooked cabbage at the bottom. Top with half of the beef mixture, then repeat the layers.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick – I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Low-Carb Option – Skipping the tomatoes and using a sugar-free sauce makes this dish even more keto-friendly.

Different Cheese – Instead of cheddar, I sometimes use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Extra Veggies – Adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots gives it even more texture and taste.

Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a leaner option, I swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Storage and Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. I let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready. It may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! I substitute 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes for canned, but I let them cook down longer to get the same rich sauce consistency.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like to serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free, the casserole itself is naturally free of gluten.

How do I make this dairy-free?

I simply leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The casserole is still packed with flavor without it.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Beef Bake is a simple, hearty, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and easy prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether I keep it classic or switch things up with different variations, it’s always a comforting dish to come back to.

Recipe:

Cabbage Beef Bake

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Print Recipe

This Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, budget-friendly casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Optional melted cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of deliciousness!

Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
In a separate pan, steam or sauté chopped cabbage until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
In a casserole dish, layer half of the cooked cabbage, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
If using cheese, remove foil, sprinkle cheddar on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.