Savory Cabbage Beef Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns basic ingredients into a one-dish meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and naturally dairy-free. The cabbage becomes soft and sweet in the oven, the beef adds savory richness, and the tomatoes and spices tie it all together. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one skillet and one baking dish. It’s perfect for batch cooking, meal prep, or just feeding a hungry family with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 450 grams ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 small cabbage, shredded

• 410 grams canned diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 200 grams cooked rice

• 15 millilitres Worcestershire sauce

• 5 grams paprika

• 5 grams garlic powder

Optional: Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 175°C (350°F) so it’s ready for baking.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, I brown the ground beef and add the chopped onion. I let it cook until the onion turns translucent and the beef is fully cooked.

3. Once the beef is ready, I add the shredded cabbage, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder into the skillet. I stir everything together so the flavors combine.

4. I let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. This helps everything meld and soften just a bit before baking.

5. I transfer the mixture into a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil.

6. I bake the dish for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the whole casserole is hot and bubbly.

7. After baking, I let it sit for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings and fills a standard baking dish. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 40 minutes to cook, and is ready in 55 minutes total—perfect for a satisfying dinner without too much effort.

Variations

• Cheesy Topping: If I’m not keeping it dairy-free, I sometimes sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

• Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.

• Different Protein: Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter option.

• Extra Veggies: I’ve stirred in chopped bell peppers or grated carrots for added color and nutrition.

• Tomato Sauce Swap: If I want it saucier, I replace half the diced tomatoes with tomato sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 175°C until heated through. It also freezes beautifully—I portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it makes a great grab-and-go lunch or backup dinner.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, I use cooked rice in this recipe to ensure it blends evenly and doesn’t soak up too much liquid while baking.

What’s the best cut of cabbage for this?

I use standard green cabbage—it holds up well during cooking and softens nicely without turning mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I often prep the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. When I’m ready, I just bake it as directed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! I make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and double-check that all canned ingredients are safe.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The cabbage should be tender and the dish bubbling slightly around the edges. I usually check around the 30-minute mark and bake a bit longer if needed.

Conclusion

This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a classic comfort food recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. I love how it comes together in just under an hour with ingredients I almost always have on hand. Whether I’m feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just making something hearty for dinner, this bake never lets me down. It’s cozy, customizable, and always hits the spot.

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