When I’m craving something hearty, comforting, and simple to make, this Savory Cabbage Beef Bake never fails to hit the spot. It’s one of those classic, old-school recipes that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your plate with satisfying layers of flavor.
Tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese come together in this fuss-free casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and leaves everyone feeling full and happy.
Here’s exactly how I make this savory dish that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake
- Simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Perfect balance of savory beef, tender cabbage, and cheesy goodness
- Easy to assemble ahead of time and bake when you’re ready
- Great for feeding a family or meal prepping
- Hearty and satisfying comfort food that never disappoints
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
How I Make Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
1. Cook the Beef and Onion
I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. I season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder and cook until the beef is fully browned.
2. Sauté the Cabbage
In a separate large skillet, I heat a little more olive oil and sauté the chopped cabbage for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened but still has a little bite.
3. Prepare the Sauce
I stir the tomato soup and sour cream into the cooked beef mixture. This creates a creamy, tangy, savory sauce that brings the entire bake together.
4. Layer It Up
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, I start with a layer of the sautéed cabbage, followed by the beef and sauce mixture. I repeat until all the cabbage and beef are layered, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake
I pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve
I let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. The layers settle perfectly, and each bite is rich, cheesy, and deliciously savory.
My Tips for the Best Cabbage Beef Bake
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it blends well with the beef.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Make it low-carb by using sugar-free tomato sauce instead of soup.
What to Serve with This Bake
- Buttered crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the sauce
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or asparagus for extra veggies
- Mashed potatoes if you want to make it even more comforting
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I add rice or noodles?
A: You can easily stir in cooked rice or cooked egg noodles for an even heartier bake.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
A Cozy, Cheesy Casserole You’ll Make Again and Again
This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s affordable, easy to make, and hits all the right comfort food notes with tender cabbage, hearty beef, and creamy tomato flavor under a blanket of melted cheese.
If you make it, I’d love to know how it turns out! Add your favorite twists, whether it’s extra spice, more cheese, or a handful of herbs, and enjoy every cozy, satisfying bite.
Savory Cabbage Beef Bake: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage. Spread half of the beef mixture over the cabbage.
- Add another layer of cabbage followed by the remaining beef mixture. Top with the remaining cabbage.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
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