If you crave comfort food that’s hearty, full of flavor, and sneakily packed with veggies, this Cabbage Beef Bake will win your heart. Layers of tender cabbage, savory seasoned beef, tangy tomato, and a bubbling, golden crown of melted cheese make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner champion or planning a cozy Sunday meal, the Cabbage Beef Bake brings home-style warmth straight out of the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Each item below plays a special role: from the richness of beef to the sweetness of cabbage, and the gooey cheese that ties it all together.

Ground beef: Forms the meaty, flavorful base that makes this dish craveable; feel free to swap for ground turkey if you want something leaner.
Onion: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves give an aromatic punch that lingers in the best way possible.
Green cabbage: Brings hearty texture and gentle sweetness; make sure it’s chopped to bite-sized pieces for even layering.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Introduces tangy brightness, ensuring the bake stays moist and packed with flavor.
Tomato sauce: Creates a velvety, rich tomato base that keeps everything saucy and prevents dryness.
Dried oregano: Infuses classic Italian notes that play beautifully off the tomatoes and beef.
Dried basil: Adds a fresh, herby sweetness that lifts every bite.
Salt: Seasons the entire dish and enhances the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle heat and earthiness that melds with the other spices.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that ooey-gooey, stretchy top everyone fights over.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a punchy, sharp bite and adds gorgeous color to the final dish.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic, infusing the whole bake with a delicious golden richness.

How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating oil in a large skillet over medium heat, swirling it around to coat the pan. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, giving them a few minutes to sauté. The kitchen will fill with that incredible fragrance that always promises something tasty is on the way. This quick sauté builds a flavor foundation you’ll taste throughout the Cabbage Beef Bake.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add your ground beef to the skillet with the softened onions and garlic. Break the beef up with a spoon as it browns, stirring occasionally until there’s no pink left. Browning the meat properly is key, as it locks in juiciness and mixes up all those aromatic flavors. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this bubbling mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. The tomatoes will mellow out, turning the beef filling into a saucy, savory blend. This is where the magic really starts: each spoonful of the beef mixture is bursting with bright tomato flavor and balanced Italian aromatics.

Step 4: Prep the Cabbage

While the meat simmers, turn your attention to the cabbage. Either steam or sauté the chopped pieces in a separate pan for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re just looking to soften them a bit; they’ll finish cooking in the oven, soaking up all that flavor. Slightly tender cabbage makes layering a breeze and prevents any raw crunchiness in your final bake.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the steamed or sautéed cabbage across the bottom, then top with half the beef mixture. Repeat to use up the rest of the cabbage and beef filling, giving everyone a perfect bite of each component. This simple layering trick ensures every forkful tastes like a cross between a hearty casserole and a classic stuffed cabbage—without all the rolling!

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Cabbage Beef Bake. This generous cheese layer will bubble up and turn gorgeously golden brown, crowning your creation with irresistible meltiness. If you love extra cheese, don’t be shy about adding a little extra.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. The steam under the foil helps everything meld together. Then, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to get bubbly and lightly browned. Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes afterward—this helps it set up and makes serving so much easier.

How to Serve Cabbage Beef Bake

Garnishes

Dress up your Cabbage Beef Bake with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. If you want a little extra zing, a quick shake of crushed red pepper or a light dusting of Parmesan can really make each serving pop.

Side Dishes

This hearty main pairs beautifully with crusty gluten-free bread or a bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes on the side. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich, cheesy bake. Roasted carrots or steamed green beans also make great veggie partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Cabbage Beef Bake in individual ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy twist, or spoon it into halved bell peppers before topping with cheese and baking. Leftovers even make a stellar filling for a lunchtime wrap—just warm, stuff, and roll for a whole new meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Cabbage Beef Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers extra delicious. Just be sure to cool the bake completely before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Freezing

This bake freezes like a charm! Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe dish with a good seal. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For leftovers from the fridge or freezer, reheat your Cabbage Beef Bake in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, though the cheese won’t be quite as melty.

FAQs

Can I make Cabbage Beef Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, Cabbage Beef Bake is naturally low in carbs, thanks to the cabbage base and absence of grains. Just be sure to check your tomato products for added sugar if you’re strict on carbs.

What are some vegetarian adaptations?

For a veggie version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground or cooked lentils, and boost flavor with extra herbs or even a handful of sautéed mushrooms for that hearty texture.

My family doesn’t like cabbage—any substitutions?

If cabbage isn’t a hit at your table, try layering in leafy greens like spinach, or thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for a similar structure. The bake’s flexible enough to welcome your favorite vegetables.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use two 9×13-inch baking dishes, or bake in one deep lasagna pan. The Cabbage Beef Bake’s crowd-pleasing qualities make it perfect for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, you just can’t go wrong with Cabbage Beef Bake. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles all around the table and leaves everyone wanting seconds. Give it a try—the combination of melty cheese, savory beef, and sweet cabbage might just become your new weeknight favorite!

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, cabbage, and a cheesy topping. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Layers:

1 small head green cabbage, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion and garlic, add ground beef, brown, drain excess fat, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Prepare the Cabbage: Steam or sauté the cabbage in a separate pan until slightly tender.
Assemble: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer cabbage and beef mixture. Top with cheeses.
Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.