Get ready for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore! This Cabbage Beef Bake is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, simplifying the process into one easy pan. You will love how quickly this hearty casserole comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a wholesome, filling dish without all the fuss.
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Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake
This simple yet flavorful dish offers so many reasons to make it your new go-to. Its cozy, hearty nature makes it an instant family favorite. You get all the comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls, but in a much faster, deconstructed form. This Cabbage Beef Bake is packed with lean protein and wholesome vegetables, making it a nutritious choice. It’s also fantastic for meal prep, yielding delicious leftovers you can enjoy for days. With simple ingredients and big, satisfying flavors, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimum effort.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create your easy Cabbage Beef Bake.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 head cabbage
- 8 oz carrots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Notes & Substitutions
I recommend using lean ground beef to minimize excess fat and make draining easier. For the cabbage, a fresh half-head offers the best texture and flavor, though pre-shredded cabbage can work in a pinch for extra convenience. Always peel and slice your fresh carrots into thin rounds to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer, ground turkey makes a lighter alternative to beef in this delicious casserole. The small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce beautifully; you can omit it if you prefer. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, perhaps adding a touch of paprika or thyme.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this straightforward recipe. Your primary tool will be a Dutch oven, which is ideal for browning meat and simmering vegetables all in one pot. You will also need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a stirring spoon. A Dutch oven’s heavy bottom and tight-fitting lid ensure even cooking and excellent moisture retention, perfect for simmering this comforting Cabbage Beef Bake.
How To Make Cabbage Beef Bake
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cabbage Beef Bake.
- Wash, dry, and remove the core from your cabbage. Then, shred it by slicing it into thin strips. This ensures it cooks down quickly and absorbs the flavors.
- Peel and slice the carrots into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Thin slices cook faster and blend better into the dish.
- Brown the ground beef in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- If your beef renders a lot of fat, carefully drain any excess from the pot. This keeps your dish lighter and less greasy.
- Add the prepared cabbage and carrots to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully in your Cabbage Beef Bake.
- Serve your hearty Cabbage Beef Bake immediately and enjoy this comforting, easy meal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the best cabbage texture is key; avoid overcooking it to prevent a mushy result. You want it tender, but still with a slight bite. Ensure your carrots are thinly sliced into uniform pieces for even and quicker cooking. Always adjust seasonings to your taste throughout the simmering process – a quick taste test can make all the difference. Stirring regularly prevents any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the Dutch oven. For a richer, deeper flavor, allow the ground beef to caramelize slightly before adding the vegetables.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Cabbage Beef Bake is a fantastic meal on its own, but it also pairs well with several accompaniments.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty dish as is for a complete meal.
- Offer a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice for extra comfort.
- A light, fresh green side salad provides a nice contrast.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover Cabbage Beef Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service offers guidelines on safe food storage for leftovers.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing this dish is generally not recommended as the cabbage can become very soft and watery upon thawing, affecting the texture.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of this casserole.
- Stir in a cup of cooked rice during the last few minutes of simmering for extra bulk and a heartier meal.
- Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, celery, or zucchini for more nutrients and flavor.
- For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes during the simmering stage.
Nutrition Information
This delicious Cabbage Beef Bake offers a balanced blend of protein and vegetables. It stands as a wholesome and satisfying meal choice. This nutritional profile makes it a smart option for a healthy weeknight dinner.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 171 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 15 g |
| Protein Content | 19 g |
| Fat Content | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 47 mg |
| Sodium Content | 725 mg |
| Fiber Content | 5 g |
| Sugar Content | 9 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.3 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 2.4 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to precook cabbage?
No, you do not need to precook the cabbage. It wilts and becomes tender directly in the Dutch oven with the other ingredients, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Can you freeze leftover Cabbage Beef Bake?
Freezing is not ideal for this dish. The cabbage can become too soft and watery once thawed, changing the texture significantly.
What is the best way to cut cabbage?
After removing the core, slice the cabbage into thin strips. This helps it cook evenly and meld well into the casserole.
Can I use fresh garlic and onion?
Absolutely! Feel free to sauté one diced onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic with the ground beef for an even richer flavor base.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake truly delivers on both comfort and convenience. It is an incredibly easy one-pan meal that brings big, satisfying flavors to your table without complicated steps. We hope you try this comforting and delicious recipe soon and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the cabbage by washing, coring, and shredding it into thin strips.
- Peel and slice the carrots into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- Add the prepared cabbage and carrots to the pot and sauté for 5-10 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.
- Stir in the seasonings, tomato sauce, and sugar, then simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until the vegetables are fully tender.
Notes
High-Protein Nutrition Specialist and Wellness Advocate with over a decade of experience.
My human-first approach blends science-backed guidance with real-life empathy, shaped by my own journey through fatigue and muscle loss. Today, I help people reclaim strength, energy, and confidence through high-protein nutrition that’s both practical and empowering.
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
- Anne Newgent
