Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Wholesome Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. With layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s the kind of old-fashioned recipe your grandma might have made—simple ingredients, big flavor, and made with love. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this bake is also budget-friendly and makes great leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add chopped cabbage and boil for 5–7 minutes until tender. Drain well.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cabbage, then top with half the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add cooked rice or quinoa between layers for a heartier bake.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added veggies.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper or diced green chilies.
Storage and Reheating
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Is this dish low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs since there’s no pasta or grains, just meat and cabbage.
Can I use red cabbage instead?
You can, but green cabbage tends to have a sweeter, milder flavor that pairs better with beef and tomato sauce.
What can I serve this with?
A simple green salad or crusty bread goes great on the side.
Conclusion
Wholesome Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting classic your whole family will love. It’s rich, filling, and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd, this bake delivers big-time flavor with minimal fuss. Enjoy a bite of nostalgia and warmth in every forkful!
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