Discover the comforting and hearty flavors of the Cabbage Beef Bake, a delicious casserole perfect for family dinners. Combining ground beef, cabbage, rice, and cheese, this easy-to-make dish offers a savory meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy a satisfying and wholesome dinner with this classic recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the beef and onion mixture over the cabbage evenly. Sprinkle the cooked rice over the beef layer. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the rice.
4. Add the Remaining Cabbage and Broth:
Top with the remaining chopped cabbage. Pour the beef broth evenly over the dish to add moisture and enhance the flavors.
5. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
6. Add the Cheese and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set. Enjoy this hearty and savory cabbage beef bake with your favorite side dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Cabbage Beef Bake with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to make a complete and balanced meal. For added flavor, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for a spicy version.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning instead of garlic powder and add a layer of marinara sauce with the tomatoes for an Italian twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Mexican Flare: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder into the beef mixture. Top with a layer of salsa before adding the cheese.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the cooked rice to make a low-carb version of this dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in additional cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a cheesier bake.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the beef mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture for a creamier texture.
- Mushroom Addition: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the beef and onion mixture for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for a spicy version.
- Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning instead of garlic powder and add a layer of marinara sauce with the tomatoes for an Italian twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Mexican Flare: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder into the beef mixture. Top with a layer of salsa before adding the cheese.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice for the cooked rice to make a low-carb version of this dish.
- Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in additional cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a cheesier bake.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the beef mixture for an aromatic touch.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture for a creamier texture.
- Mushroom Addition: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the beef and onion mixture for an earthy flavor.
- Mediterranean Flavor: Incorporate 1/2 cup of feta cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano into the beef mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- French Onion Style: Add 1/2 cup of caramelized onions to the beef mixture and use Gruyère cheese for a French onion-inspired version.
- BBQ Style: Mix 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce into the beef mixture for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Italian Cabbage Beef Bake: Substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella and add a layer of marinara sauce between the cabbage and beef layers. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
- Mexican Cabbage Beef Bake: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and add a can of black beans, a cup of corn, and a packet of taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and salsa on the side.
- Cabbage Beef Bake with Potatoes: Add thinly sliced potatoes to the layers for a heartier dish. The potatoes will absorb the flavors and add a satisfying texture.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely. Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it within 24 hours.
- Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, cooked brown rice can be used for a healthier option.
- How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
- Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well and avoid overloading with too much broth.
- Can I add cheese throughout the layers?
- Yes, adding cheese between layers can make the casserole even cheesier.
- What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
- You can substitute with any melty cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
- Yes, diced fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to add a bit more broth for moisture.
- What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?
- Green cabbage is commonly used, but you can also use savoy or napa cabbage.
- How do I make this dish gluten-free?
- Ensure that the beef broth and any other seasonings are gluten-free, and use gluten-free rice or another gluten-free grain.
The Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting and versatile dish that brings together hearty ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to recipe. With various ways to customize and enhance the dish, you can easily tailor it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and satisfying taste of this classic casserole.