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:
- One-Pan Simplicity : Minimal cleanup—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Comfort Food Magic : The combination of beef, cabbage, and cheese feels like a hug in a dish.
- Budget-Friendly : Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage.
- Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will love the mild, savory flavors.
- 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
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Layer the Cabbage
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sliced cabbage evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the cooked beef mixture over the cabbage.
- Add the remaining cabbage on top of the beef.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- 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
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and spread them evenly over the cheese for a crispy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- 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
- Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.