Description
This hearty Cabbage Beef Bake combines tender ground beef, fresh cabbage, and cooked rice in a savory tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, family-friendly casserole perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned thoroughly. Drain excess fat if needed for a leaner dish.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with cooked rice and chopped cabbage, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Prepare to Bake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the combined mixture into it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and flavors to blend.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice for a whole grain, more nutritious option.
- Ground turkey or chicken make excellent lower-fat substitutes for beef if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture if you enjoy a bit of spicy heat in your casserole.
