Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a dish that delivers comfort and simplicity. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Comfort Food Magic: The combination of beef, cabbage, and cheese feels like a hug in a dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the mild, savory flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready—ideal for stress-free meals.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sliced cabbage evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked beef mixture over the cabbage, and top with the remaining cabbage.
- In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage and beef layers.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and spread them evenly over the cheese for a crispy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Servings and Timing
- Serves 6-8
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils or quinoa.
- Try different cheese combinations, such as adding Gruyère or Parmesan for added richness.
- If you like a crunchier topping, add more panko breadcrumbs or top with crushed crackers.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in individual servings.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
2. Can I freeze the Savory Cabbage Beef Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
This dish is not gluten-free due to the panko breadcrumbs. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage can be used for convenience, though fresh cabbage provides the best texture.
6. What type of cheese can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss cheese would work well in this dish.
7. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of this dish.
9. How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Increase the amount of panko breadcrumbs and add more butter to the mixture for an extra crispy topping.
10. How do I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and omit the butter, using olive oil instead.
Conclusion
Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty and delicious meal with minimal prep. With layers of tender cabbage, savory beef, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy on the budget. Plus, it can be made ahead and is perfect for weeknight dinners. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why this dish will become a family favorite!
Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish-American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting, one-pan meal featuring a hearty combination of ground beef, cabbage, and melted cheese. Packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for family dinners, offering simplicity, comfort, and budget-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead meal or an easy dinner, this savory bake is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Layer in the Dish – In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sliced cabbage evenly across the bottom. Top with the cooked beef mixture and then layer the remaining cabbage on top.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage and beef layers.
- Add Cheese & Topping – Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese for a crispy finish.
- Bake – Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve – Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Notes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar and mozzarella for Gruyère, Parmesan, or any cheese of your choice.
- Crunchy Topping: For a crunchier topping, add more panko breadcrumbs or top with crushed crackers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings
