If you’re looking for a wholesome, budget-friendly, and hearty dinner, Cabbage Beef Bake is the perfect choice. This simple casserole combines ground beef, tender cabbage, savory seasonings, and melted cheese into a cozy, one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest — satisfying, filling, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
This casserole is versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients based on preference, and it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake
✔ One-Dish Convenience
Minimal cleanup, all the ingredients in one pan, and easy to make in large batches.
✔ Hearty and Filling
Ground beef and cabbage make this dish nutritious and satisfying.
✔ Budget-Friendly
Cabbage is affordable and pairs beautifully with pantry staples like onions, tomatoes, and seasonings.
✔ Family-Friendly
Soft, tender vegetables, savory beef, and melted cheese make it appealing to kids and adults alike.
✔ Versatile
Add rice, potatoes, or other veggies to make it your own.
🥬 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Cabbage Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the Bake
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Optional: cooked rice or pasta for a more filling casserole
- Optional: hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat
🍲 How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake
Follow these simple steps for a delicious, family-friendly casserole.
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Cabbage and Seasonings
Stir in chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to the prepared baking dish. If using rice or pasta, layer it on the bottom or mix it in. Top with shredded cheese evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
🧂 Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Beef Bake
- Use fresh cabbage – Avoid pre-shredded cabbage; it retains texture better.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage – You want it tender but slightly firm.
- Add rice or pasta – Makes the dish more filling for larger families.
- Layer the cheese – A top layer of cheese ensures gooey perfection.
- Spice it up – Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
🌱 Variations You Can Try
🔸 Cheesy Cabbage and Beef Casserole
Add a second layer of cheese in the middle for extra gooeyness.
🔸 Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Add cooked rice to the beef and cabbage layer for a deconstructed stuffed cabbage version.
🔸 Mexican-Inspired Cabbage Bake
Add corn, black beans, cumin, and taco seasoning. Top with pepper jack cheese.
🔸 Low-Carb Version
Skip the rice or pasta and enjoy the bake as a keto-friendly dinner.
🔸 Vegetable-Loaded Cabbage Bake
Add diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Cabbage Beef Bake is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Pickles or coleslaw
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or batch cooking for the week.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving
Cabbage Beef Bake: A Hearty, Comforting One-Dish Meal
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about ½ medium head)
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper to taste
Topping:
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or keto: ¼ cup crushed pork rinds + 2 tbsp almond flour)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9″ baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown beef and onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add garlic; cook 1 min. Stir in cabbage, tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 8–10 mins until cabbage softens slightly.
- Transfer mixture to baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Topping: Mix panko (or keto swap) and melted butter; sprinkle over cabbage. Top with cheese.
- Bake uncovered 25–30 mins—until bubbly and topping is golden crisp.
- Rest 5 mins before serving. Pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 30 mins, Total Time: 45 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 340, Net Carbs: 12g, Fats: 20g, Protein: 24g
✅ Keto-friendly with pork rind topping — net carbs drop to ~6g/serving.