Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
There’s something deeply comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole on a cool evening, and this Cabbage Beef Bake is one of those dishes you’ll want to return to again and again. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich, tangy tomato base get topped with creamy sour cream and melty cheese — what could be more inviting? This casserole offers everything you love in a classic American comfort food, but with a unique twist from caraway and the natural sweetness of cabbage. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping ahead, Cabbage Beef Bake brings hearty flavor and nostalgia right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cabbage Beef Bake is how each easy-to-find ingredient brings something essential to the table, creating layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave. Here’s what you’ll need and why each choice matters:
- Ground Beef (1 pound, lean): The savory star of the bake, providing heartiness and rich depth. Swap for turkey if you want it lighter!
- Green Cabbage (1 small head, shredded): Adds crunch, subtle sweetness, and soaks up all the savory juices.
- Large Onion (chopped): Gives aromatic flavor and a slight bite that’s irresistible in every forkful.
- Red Bell Pepper (1/2 cup, chopped): Offers bright color and a touch of sweetness to balance the beef.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (15 ounces, with juice): Brings tang and moisture while tying the filling together.
- Tomato Sauce (8 ounces): Intensifies the sauciness and helps bind all the flavors.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the core tastes of your bake.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and perkiness to the dish.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a rounder flavor.
- Caraway Seeds (1 teaspoon): The secret weapon! Their earthy, aromatic bite gives that Eastern European nod.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Swirled on top, it adds creamy tang and mellows the spices.
- Shredded Swiss or Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts into a golden, bubbly topping — use your favorite!
How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the freshly shredded cabbage along the bottom of the dish — this will create a lovely foundation that softens and melds with the saucy filling as it bakes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add your lean ground beef, chopped onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté everything together until the beef is completely browned and vegetables start to soften. Remember to drain off any excess fat for a lighter, more balanced casserole.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with all their juicy goodness), tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, sugar, and the fragrant caraway seeds. This combination infuses the filling with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that marry beautifully with the beef.
Step 4: Layer and Assemble
Pour your hot beef mixture evenly over the cabbage in the baking dish, making sure every bit gets a little of that savory sauce. Drop spoonfuls of creamy sour cream across the top — no need to spread perfectly, little pockets of tang add delightful surprises. Finish things off with a generous sprinkle of shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Beef Bake
Bake the dish uncovered for about 30 minutes. When you see the cheese melted and bubbly and the cabbage fork-tender, you know it’s ready! Let it cool for a few minutes so everything sets up before diving in.
How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens up each serving of Cabbage Beef Bake and adds a pop of color. For extra flavor, try a dash of smoked paprika or a hint of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines bright on its own, but it’s even more irresistible paired with a buttery dinner roll or a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re feeling cozy, serve it alongside roasted potatoes or simple steamed green beans for a complete plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Scoop Cabbage Beef Bake into individual ramekins, or spoon it over a slice of toasted buttered rye bread for a rustic, hearty presentation. Leftover slices also make a delicious filling for wraps or lunchboxes the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Cabbage Beef Bake to cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they meld!
Freezing
This casserole can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking. Cover tightly with foil, label, and freeze up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for a stress-free meal.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions of Cabbage Beef Bake in a microwave-safe dish and heat gently until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and piping hot again.
FAQs
Can I make Cabbage Beef Bake low-carb or gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply double-check your tomato products to ensure they’re gluten-free (most are), and use a full-fat or light sour cream as needed. With no noodles or breadcrumbs, it’s naturally low in carbs and gluten-free.
What kind of cheese works best in this bake?
Swiss adds a slightly nutty, creamy flavor, while cheddar gives a sharper, classic comfort food vibe. Both melt beautifully, so pick whichever you like or even combine them for extra richness.
Can I use red or Savoy cabbage instead of green?
Definitely! Red or Savoy cabbage will cook up just as tender and delicious — red will bring a burst of color, while Savoy offers delicate leaves and a mild taste.
Is it possible to prep Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything minus the cheese and sour cream, cover and refrigerate for up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to bake, add the toppings and pop it in the oven.
How do I keep the cabbage from being too crunchy?
For softer cabbage, you can lightly steam or sauté it before layering in the dish. Otherwise, baking as directed yields cabbage that’s tender but still has a pleasant texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests, give Cabbage Beef Bake a try. It’s a longtime favorite in our home for good reason — once you taste that savory, melty goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef with tender cabbage, topped with a cheesy layer for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cabbage: Spread shredded cabbage evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and caraway seeds. Pour this mixture over the cabbage.
- Add Toppings: Drop spoonfuls of sour cream over the beef mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cabbage is tender. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use ground turkey or lean beef and reduced-fat cheese.
- You can pre-steam the cabbage for a softer texture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
