Discover your new favorite comfort food with this incredibly simple Cabbage Beef Bake. This hearty dish brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce for a satisfying meal.
Forget the fuss of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls; this recipe delivers all those classic flavors in one easy pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, homemade dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful & Comforting: This Cabbage Beef Bake offers a rich, savory taste that warms you from the inside out. It’s truly a hug in a bowl!
- Stuffed Cabbage Simplicity: Enjoy the beloved flavors of stuffed cabbage without the tedious rolling and stuffing. Just layer and simmer for delicious results.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with lean protein from the beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this dish keeps you full and satisfied. It’s a wholesome meal for the whole family.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making this an excellent option for meal prep. Enjoy tasty, easy lunches throughout the week.
- Versatile Serving: Serve this hearty casserole as is, or pair it with your favorite simple sides. It adapts easily to your meal preferences.
Ingredients
Creating this delicious Cabbage Beef Bake requires simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a vital role in building the comforting, savory flavor profile.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ head green cabbage
- 8 ounces carrots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 24 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (90% or 83%) to minimize excess grease in your casserole. This keeps the dish lighter and prevents a greasy texture.
- Cabbage: Opt for a firm, fresh head of green cabbage. You can also use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage for an even quicker prep time.
- Carrots: Slice whole carrots thinly for the best texture and flavor. They soften beautifully and add a touch of sweetness.
- Seasonings: Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced) and fresh onion (½ medium, diced) can substitute the powders if you prefer.
- Tomato Sauce: Choose a high-quality brand of tomato sauce for a rich, vibrant base. Good sauce makes a difference.
- Sugar: This ingredient is optional but balances the acidity of the tomato sauce beautifully. Adjust or omit it based on your taste preferences.
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Both absorb the flavors wonderfully.
- Add-ins: Stir in about one cup of cooked white or brown rice at the end of cooking for an even heartier, more substantial meal.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this Cabbage Beef Bake.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Instructions For The Best Cabbage Beef Bake
This Cabbage Beef Bake comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow these clear directions for a perfect, comforting meal every time.
- Prep Cabbage: Start by washing and drying your green cabbage. Carefully remove the tough core using your sharp knife. Then, lay the cabbage flat and slice it into thin, ribbon-like strips. Aim for pieces roughly ¼-inch wide, as this ensures even cooking. Set the shredded cabbage aside.
- Prep Carrots: Next, peel your carrots. With your sharp knife, slice the carrots into uniform ¼-inch thick rounds. Thin slices cook quickly and integrate well into the dish. Having all your vegetables prepped makes assembly much faster.
- Brown Beef: Place your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef to the hot pot. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, browning it evenly. Continue cooking until no pink remains, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step prevents your Cabbage Beef Bake from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Veggies: Return the pot to the heat. Add the prepared shredded cabbage and sliced carrots directly to the browned ground beef. Stir everything together. Sauté the vegetables for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and wilt. The carrots should also start to tenderize.
- Simmer Sauce: Now, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano with the beef and vegetables. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the entire can of tomato sauce and add the granulated sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the Cabbage Beef Bake simmer for at least 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully tender to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cutting Cabbage: Aim for even, thin strips, about ¼-inch wide. This ensures the cabbage cooks consistently and becomes tender without some pieces remaining tough.
- Carrot Consistency: Ensure your carrot slices are consistently thin. Thicker pieces will take longer to cook and might remain crunchy while the rest of the dish is ready.
- Degreasing Beef: Always drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning. This creates a lighter, less greasy casserole and allows the tomato sauce flavors to shine.
- Pan Choice: A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe. It distributes heat evenly and retains warmth, which is perfect for simmering.
- Cabbage too tough? If your cabbage remains too firm after 10 minutes, simply cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check for tenderness.
- Sauce too thin? If the sauce seems too watery, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. This allows some liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce.
- Sauce too thick? Should the sauce become too thick, stir in a splash of vegetable or beef broth, or even a little water, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Make the most of your delicious Cabbage Beef Bake with these practical serving and storage tips, plus ideas for easy variations.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty casserole piping hot as a satisfying main course. Its rich flavor stands alone beautifully.
- Accompaniments: Pair your Cabbage Beef Bake with some crusty bread for dipping, creamy mashed potatoes, or wholesome brown rice. These sides soak up the delicious sauce.
- Side Dishes: For a complete meal, add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the bake.
- Storage: Store any leftover Cabbage Beef Bake in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm portions on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish. Cabbage can become mushy and watery after thawing, which affects the texture of the bake.
- Flavor Boosts: Before serving, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill. Both add a wonderful tang and freshness that complements the dish.
Nutrition (per serving)
Enjoy this wholesome Cabbage Beef Bake knowing it provides excellent nutritional value. It offers a great balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Beyond its delicious taste, research from Healthline highlights the many health benefits of cabbage, including its rich content of vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 171 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg |
| Sodium | 725 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 2.4 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to precook the cabbage?
No, you do not need to precook the cabbage. It will soften beautifully right in the pot with the ground beef and sauce as it simmers.
Can Cabbage Beef Bake be frozen?
Freezing this dish is not recommended. The cabbage tends to become mushy and watery once thawed, significantly impacting the texture of the bake.
Why is sugar added to tomato sauce?
Sugar helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, more well-rounded flavor profile in the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preference.
Conclusion
This Cabbage Beef Bake is a true gem for anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal. It proves that delicious, homemade food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. You get all the wonderful health benefits of lean protein and fiber-rich cabbage, wrapped in a versatile dish that tastes amazing as leftovers.
Give this recipe a try and transform your weeknight dinners. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any creative variations you discover in the comments below!
Cabbage Beef Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and dry cabbage. Remove core and slice into ¼-inch strips. Set aside.
- Peel and slice carrots into thin rounds. Set aside.
- In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add cabbage and carrots to the beef. Sauté for 5–10 minutes until cabbage wilts and carrots soften slightly.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, oregano. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well. Simmer covered on low for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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