Here’s a hearty and comforting dish that brings together simple, budget-friendly ingredients:
🥘 Savory Cabbage Beef Bake — it’s like a cozy casserole meets unstuffed cabbage rolls. Easy, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
🥬 Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
🕒 Prep: 20 min | Bake: 45 min
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
🧂 Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
-
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
-
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or use oregano and basil)
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
-
½ tsp paprika (optional)
-
4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about ½ head)
-
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
-
½ cup uncooked white rice (optional — for a heartier version)
-
½ cup water or broth (if using rice)
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
-
Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef
-
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
-
Drain excess grease.
-
Add garlic, cook 1 minute more.
3. Make the Sauce
-
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
-
Simmer for 5 minutes to combine.
-
(If using rice, stir it in now along with the ½ cup of water or broth.)
4. Assemble the Bake
-
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the chopped cabbage.
-
Spoon half the beef mixture over it.
-
Repeat layers with remaining cabbage and beef sauce.
-
Cover tightly with foil.
5. Bake
-
Bake covered for 45 minutes (or up to 60 minutes if using raw rice).
-
Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
🧀 Optional Toppings
-
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
-
A spoonful of sour cream
-
Dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper
✅ Tips
-
Want it low-carb? Omit the rice.
-
Want it faster? Pre-cook the rice and reduce baking time to 30–35 min.
-
Works great with ground turkey or Italian sausage too!
Would you like a slow cooker version or something similar like a stuffed cabbage casserole?
