Quick & Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty cabbage beef bake delivers comfort in every delightful bite.

Layers of savory meat and tender vegetables create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Rich flavors meld together, promising a delectable experience that warms your soul.

Rustic ingredients shine through each carefully assembled portion.

Our simple approach ensures anyone can master this classic dish with confidence.

Colorful and filling, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every mouthwatering forkful of this incredible culinary creation.

Why Cabbage Beef Bake Is So Hearty And Satisfying

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine all ingredients in one dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and reducing multiple cooking steps.
• Create Hearty Comfort: Packed with protein-rich beef and nutrient-dense cabbage, this casserole delivers a satisfying and filling meal perfect for family dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add different herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and pantry staples, making this recipe wallet-friendly without compromising flavor.

What You’ll Use For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein base that adds richness to the casserole.
• Beef Chuck: Tender meat that provides additional depth and hearty texture.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a savory foundation and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Eggs: Help bind the casserole together and create a cohesive texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide structure and help absorb excess moisture in the casserole.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle herb note and brings freshness to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Used for coating the baking dish and drizzling on top to create a golden, crispy surface.

• Cabbage: Provides a hearty, nutritious base and adds texture to the casserole.

How To Make Cabbage Beef Bake With Ease

Step 1: Brown The Meaty Base

Heat a large skillet and sizzle ground beef and beef chuck over medium-high heat. Break the meat into tiny crumbles, cooking until no pink remains and a delicious caramelized exterior develops.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the ingredients until onions become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Hearty Ingredients

Transfer the meat mixture into a spacious mixing bowl. Add chopped cabbage and blend thoroughly, ensuring every morsel gets coated with savory goodness.

Step 4: Create Creamy Binding Liquid

• Eggs
• Milk
• Tomato sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley

Blend until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Mix And Prepare Casserole

Pour the liquid mixture over meat and cabbage. Gently fold in breadcrumbs, creating an even distribution of ingredients. Spread the mixture into an olive oil-coated baking dish.

Step 6: Drizzle And Enhance

Sprinkle remaining olive oil across the casserole’s surface to promote a golden, crispy top.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden brown and cabbage becomes tender.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Tips For A Flavorful Cabbage Beef Bake

• Select Fresh Cabbage: Choose crisp, bright green cabbage without wilted leaves for optimal texture and flavor.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Pat ground beef and chuck dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Boost Herb Intensity: Experiment with fresh parsley or add dried thyme for deeper aromatic complexity.
• Layer Cheese Option: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for extra richness.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain the casserole's binding properties.

Tasty Variations For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Low-Carb Cabbage Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version with reduced carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free alternative packed with protein.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and fresh dill to transform the casserole with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and seasonings.

Pairing Ideas For Cabbage Beef Bake

• Sip Robust Red Wine: Pair this hearty beef and cabbage casserole with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich meat flavors and cut through the dish's richness.
• Serve with Tangy Sauerkraut Salad: Create a bright side dish with fermented cabbage, chopped dill pickles, and a light vinaigrette to add zesty contrast to the warm casserole.
• Match with Crusty Rye Bread: Slice a rustic rye bread to soak up the delicious juices and provide a complementary earthy undertone that enhances the meat's savory profile.

Best Way To Store Cabbage Beef Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, maintaining quality for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Cabbage Beef Bake Questions Answered

• What are the key proteins in this recipe?

Ground beef and beef chuck provide the primary protein sources, offering rich flavor and substantial meat content for the casserole.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground lamb for varied taste and nutritional profiles while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb?

While not strictly low-carb due to breadcrumbs, the dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and features substantial vegetable content from cabbage, making it a protein-rich meal option.

• How do the eggs function in this recipe?

Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the meat, cabbage, and breadcrumbs together while adding moisture and creating a cohesive casserole texture.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich, layered flavors. Succulent ground beef nestles between tender cabbage leaves, creating a satisfying meal that delights home cooks and hungry families alike.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb beef chuck, cubed

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Binding:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 0.25 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious skillet, brown the ground beef and cubed beef chuck over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to a large mixing bowl and incorporate chopped cabbage, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley to create a binding liquid.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the meat and cabbage, then gently fold in breadcrumbs until everything is evenly coated and well-distributed.
7. Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure even cooking.
8. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the casserole to help achieve a golden, crispy surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden brown and the cabbage is tender.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Enhance the dish’s nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and vitamins.
• Create a low-carb version by replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, making it keto-friendly and gluten-free.
• Boost flavor intensity by incorporating additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, savory crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 564 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg