Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 small cabbage (shredded)
• 1½ lbs ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• ½ cup red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or preferred cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Layer the shredded cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: In a skillet, brown the ground beef together with the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir the diced tomatoes (with their juice), salt, pepper, sugar, and caraway seeds (if using) into the meat mixture.
5. Step 5: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the shredded cabbage in the baking dish.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce and sour cream until smooth, then spread this sauce over the beef layer.
7. Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
8. Step 8: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and make slicing easier.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• If you’re not a fan of caraway seeds, feel free to omit them without losing the dish’s flavor.
• Use your favorite cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere for a different twist on the topping.
• Try adding chopped garlic to the beef mixture for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative to make a vegetarian-friendly version.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the sauce?

Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the tomatoes. You can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or omit it if you prefer, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake that layers shredded cabbage with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and a creamy tomato-sour cream sauce, all topped with melted Swiss cheese. This baked casserole combines savory flavors and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1½ lbs ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or preferred cheese)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Cabbage Layer: Spread the shredded cabbage evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
3. Cook the Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and red bell pepper until the meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Season the Meat Mixture: Stir into the cooked beef mixture the undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and caraway seeds (if using) to add depth of flavor.
5. Layer the Meat: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the shredded cabbage in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the reduced-fat sour cream until smooth, then spread this mixture evenly over the layer of beef.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
8. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Caraway seeds add a unique flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or mozzarella, instead of Swiss.
• Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cabbage beef bake, casserole recipe, baked beef and cabbage, healthy casserole, ground beef recipe