Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple and comforting: Everyday ingredients come together in a cozy, nostalgic way.
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Budget-friendly: A great meal without breaking the bank.
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Customizable: Adjust the spice or switch up the cheese to suit your tastes.
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Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium head cabbage, chopped
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional seasonings: paprika, dried herbs, red pepper flakes
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
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Add diced onion and garlic to the beef; sauté until fragrant.
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Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings. Simmer briefly.
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In a greased baking dish, layer half the chopped cabbage, then half the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
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Top with shredded cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Makes about 6 servings. Total time: 20 minutes prep, 50 minutes baking.
Variations
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Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
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Add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition
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Use different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes.
2. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Cool completely before freezing in a sealed container.
3. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours.
4. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in portions.
5. How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini work well.
7. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is classic, but any melty cheese will work.
8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just confirm that your tomato sauce is gluten-free.
9. Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
Nope! It cooks down perfectly in the oven.
10. How do I keep it from getting watery?
Drain the meat well and don’t overuse sauce. Let it rest before serving.
Conclusion
Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, wholesome dish that brings all the comfort of home cooking with minimal effort. With its rich flavors, gooey cheese, and satisfying layers, it’s the perfect meal for weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Cabbage Beef Bake
Cabbage Beef Bake is the ultimate cozy casserole—layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. This budget-friendly, family-approved dish is easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, it’s a hearty, satisfying dinner you’ll make again and again.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: paprika, dried herbs (like oregano or thyme), red pepper flakes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
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Add onion and garlic to the beef and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Simmer briefly for 2–3 minutes.
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In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage, then half of the beef mixture. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture.
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Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add Veggies: Stir in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onion.
Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
