Description
Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and tomatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef and onion mixture to enhance flavor.
- Layer Cabbage: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
- Add Beef and Rice: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the cabbage, then sprinkle the cooked rice evenly on top of the beef layer.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the rice layer, spreading them out evenly for consistent flavor.
- Top with Cabbage and Broth: Add the remaining cabbage over the tomatoes and pour beef broth evenly over the entire dish to keep it moist while baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, then remove from oven and serve.
Notes
- Using undrained diced tomatoes adds moisture and flavor to the bake.
- Cooking the rice beforehand ensures even cooking in the casserole.
- For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when seasoning the beef.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking to enhance the flavors.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a convenient meal.
