Discover the perfect family dinner with this easy Cabbage Beef Bake recipe! Combining juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices, this dish is a comforting delight everyone will love. Follow simple steps and use easily available ingredients to create a meal that's hearty and satisfying. Don’t miss out on learning how to make this delicious Cabbage Beef Bake—click to explore the full recipe and start cooking today!
1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 lb ground beef, ideally 80/20 for rich flavor
1 cup cooked rice, preferably long-grain for better texture
1 large onion, diced into small pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained to reduce excess moisture
1 cup beef broth, low-sodium recommended
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness
1 teaspoon dried oregano to add a herby note
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey topping
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing
![- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 lb ground beef, ideally 80/20 for rich flavor - 1 cup cooked rice, preferably long-grain for better texture - 1 large onion, diced into small pieces - 2 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained to reduce excess moisture - 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium recommended - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness - 1 teaspoon dried oregano to add a herby note - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey topping - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing Cabbage Beef Bake is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The main ingredients, like cabbage and ground beef, work well together. Cabbage adds crunch, while ground beef gives rich flavor. The rice makes it hearty and filling. You will need cooking essentials like onion and garlic to build flavor. The diced tomatoes add moisture and a hint of sweetness. Flavor enhancers like beef broth and Worcestershire sauce deepen the taste. Smoked paprika and oregano bring out the best in this dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance all the flavors. The topping is where it gets exciting. Shredded mozzarella melts over the bake, creating a creamy layer. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps provided. This dish is not only easy to make but also a delight to share with family. - Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when you finish preparing the dish. - Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula until it turns brown. Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light. - Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 large diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the onion is soft and fragrant. - Stir in Cooked Rice and Tomatoes: Add 1 cup of cooked rice and 1 can of drained diced tomatoes. Mix well so everything blends together. - Season the Mixture: Pour in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. - Layer Cabbage and Beef Mixture: In a large baking dish, spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly at the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture over the cabbage. Then, add the rest of the cabbage on top. - Add Broth: Carefully pour 1 cup of beef broth over the layers. This keeps the bake moist and helps the cabbage cook nicely. - Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together and the cabbage to soften. - Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: After 45 minutes, take out the foil. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for an extra 15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown. - Serving Suggestions: Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into portions, and serve warm. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. - Alternatives for Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. They are leaner and still give great flavor. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or textured vegetable protein. These swaps keep your bake hearty and delicious. - Rice Variations: If you want a change from white rice, use brown rice for more fiber. Quinoa is a great choice too. It adds a nice nutty flavor and packs a protein punch. Don't worry; these grains fit right into the bake. - How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Cabbage: To cook cabbage well, make sure to chop it into even pieces. This helps it cook uniformly. Steaming it in the broth keeps it tender and moist. Avoid overcooking, or it can turn mushy. You want it soft but still with a bit of bite. - Browning Ground Beef Tips: Browning beef is key for flavor. Use a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Drain excess fat for a healthier dish. - Additional Seasoning Suggestions: Besides the listed spices, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of hot sauce can also boost flavor. Experiment with different spices like cumin or Italian seasoning to find your favorite mix. - Using Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate your dish. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking for the best taste. They brighten the dish and add a fresh aroma. A sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving makes it pop visually and tastefully. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Cabbage Beef Bake. Start by swapping out the ground beef for textured vegetable protein (TVP). TVP absorbs flavors well and has a great texture. To prepare it, rehydrate the TVP with warm water or broth. Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition. This version still holds the comfort of the original dish but caters to plant-based diets. Cheese can change the whole dish. You can use shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or even a mix for more flavor. Each cheese gives a different taste and texture. If you prefer dairy-free options, there are great cheese alternatives available. Look for products made from nuts or soy. These can melt nicely and add a creamy touch to your bake. You can add a fun twist by using spices that reflect different cuisines. Try adding cumin for a Mexican flair or curry powder for an Indian touch. These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish. You can also experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil to freshen things up. This way, you make Cabbage Beef Bake your own, while still keeping it comforting and delicious. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Cabbage Beef Bake fresh, store it in airtight containers. This will prevent it from drying out. Place it in the fridge within two hours of serving. It will stay good for three to four days. When stored properly, leftovers last about three to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. You can reheat your Cabbage Beef Bake in the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for two to three minutes, stirring halfway. When reheating, the oven keeps the texture better. Avoid overcooking in the microwave, as it can make the cabbage mushy. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving space at the top. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. Thaw your Cabbage Beef Bake in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. For the full recipe with all the ingredients, check out the Cabbage Beef Bake Delight! To make Cabbage Beef Bake, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Cook 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet until browned. 3. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion is clear. 4. Mix in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. 5. Layer half of 1 chopped cabbage in a baking dish, then add the beef mixture, and top with the rest of the cabbage. 6. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth over the dish. 7. Cover it tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. 8. Remove the foil, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top, and bake for an extra 15 minutes. This recipe is simple and gives a hearty meal. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Yes, you can make Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and store it in your fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2 days. When you are ready to bake, simply follow the cooking instructions, adding extra time if baking from cold. To complement Cabbage Beef Bake, consider serving: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette. - Mashed potatoes for extra comfort. - Crusty bread to soak up flavors. - Steamed vegetables for a touch of color and nutrition. These sides will make the meal even better and more filling. Cabbage Beef Bake has many healthy elements. Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber. Ground beef provides protein and iron. To make it healthier, choose lean ground beef, like 90/10, and add more vegetables. You can also use brown rice for added nutrients. Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef first. Then layer the ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with cabbage, then the beef mixture, and top with the rest of the cabbage. Pour in the beef broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The best ground beef ratio for Cabbage Beef Bake is 80/20 or 85/15. This means 80% lean meat to 20% fat. This ratio gives great flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking. Avoid using very lean beef, as it can become dry. This blog post detailed how to make a tasty Cabbage Beef Bake. We covered the key ingredients, such as cabbage, ground beef, and rice. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, layering, and baking. We also discussed tips for flavor and ingredient substitutions, plus storage methods for leftovers. In conclusion, this dish is versatile and easy. You can adapt it to fit your taste and needs. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting meal with others.](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1407ef42-b7d1-4df4-bf63-ca63e76ee8cb-300x300.webp)