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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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