Cabbage Beef Bake: A Cozy One-Pan Meal for Families

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Cabbage Beef Bake is a delightful one-pan meal packed with layers of savory beef, tender cabbage, and fluffy rice. This comforting dish brings together the heartiness of ground beef and the nutritious crunch of cabbage, making it a favorite for family dinners. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that it can fit seamlessly into a busy weeknight, while the rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake

This Cabbage Beef Bake is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug on a plate. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a one-pan cabbage beef bake, which means minimal cleanup!
Perfect for cabbage beef bake dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Loaded with protein, thanks to the ground beef; a healthy choice for dinner.
Utilizes simple ingredients, making it an easy cabbage beef meal.
Great for meal prep – make it ahead of time for busy days!
This recipe is a savory cabbage beef bake that is sure to impress.

With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, this dish is a staple in many kitchens, especially for those seeking a healthy cabbage and ground beef recipe.

Ingredients for Cabbage Beef Bake

Gather these items:

1 lb Ground Beef (substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired)
1 medium Onion, chopped (shallots can work as a substitute)
3 cups Cabbage, chopped (fresh preferred over pre-cut mixes)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh garlic can be substituted (1-2 cloves))
1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes, undrained (can be replaced with crushed tomatoes)
1 cup Cooked Rice (cauliflower rice can be used for a low-carb option)
1 teaspoon Salt (adjust according to taste)
0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (optional red pepper flakes for heat)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (variations include mozzarella or pepper jack)
0.5 cup Beef Broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion for about 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Season the cooked beef and onion mixture with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Layer half of the chopped cabbage at the bottom of the baking dish, followed by the beef mixture, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and remaining cabbage.
Step 5: Pour the beef broth over the layers, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Let the Cabbage Beef Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Beef Bake

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh cabbage for better texture.
Feel free to add spices according to your preference for an extra kick.
Make sure to let the dish rest after baking to ensure the flavors meld together.
This is a great comfort food cabbage beef bake that kids will also love!

Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake

For the best experience, consider pairing this dish with:

A side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices.
A dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor.

This Cabbage and Beef Oven Bake can easily be served as a main dish for gatherings!

How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Beef Bake

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Beef Bake

What’s the secret to perfect Cabbage Beef Bake?

The secret lies in layering the ingredients properly and allowing the bake to rest before serving. This ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, making for a delicious ground beef and cabbage dish.

Can I make Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cabbage Beef Bake?

To avoid sogginess, don’t skip the step of layering the cabbage correctly and make sure to drain excess liquid from the tomatoes.

Variations of Cabbage Beef Bake You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

Add some bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.

Each variation brings its own unique taste to this homemade cabbage beef bake!

Cabbage Beef Bake: A Cozy One-Pan Meal for Families - Cabbage Beef Bake - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our One Pot Broccoli Cheese or Sizzling Cheesy Beef Rice.

Cabbage Beef Bake: A Cozy One-Pan Meal for Families - Cabbage Beef Bake - additional detail

For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, you can visit Healthline.