Savory Cabbage Beef Bake


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about Savory Cabbage Beef Bake. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  1. One-Pan Simplicity : Minimal cleanup—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
  2. Comfort Food Magic : The combination of beef, cabbage, and cheese feels like a hug in a dish.
  3. Budget-Friendly : Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage.
  4. Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will love the mild, savory flavors.
  5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep it in advance and bake when ready—ideal for stress-free meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bake:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 medium onion , diced
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 small head green cabbage , thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper , to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up this cozy, savory bake? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon.
  2. Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Layer the Cabbage

  1. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sliced cabbage evenly across the bottom.
  2. Sprinkle the cooked beef mixture over the cabbage.
  3. Add the remaining cabbage on top of the beef.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage and beef layers.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs

  1. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
  2. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and spread them evenly over the cheese for a crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , until the cabbage is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.