Cabbage Beef Bake – Cozy Layers of Comfort

There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of a bubbling casserole baking in the oven. The warmth that fills the kitchen, the golden cheese melting on top, and the savory blend of beef, cabbage, and rice all come together in this humble yet heartwarming Cabbage Beef Bake. It’s one of those meals that reminds you of home, no matter where you are—a dish that’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

This recipe brings together tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and tangy tomatoes, all baked under a layer of melty cheese. It’s old-fashioned comfort food at its best, reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen on a chilly evening. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional: mozzarella or Monterey Jack blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
4. Season and Combine: Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir to combine. Pour in diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce, and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Layer the Cabbage: In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the top, then sprinkle with half the rice. Repeat with the remaining cabbage, beef, and rice, creating beautiful rustic layers.
6. Top and Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Using leftover cooked rice? Perfect—it absorbs the sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
• If you prefer a lower-carb version, skip the rice and add extra cabbage instead.
• To make it extra creamy, stir a little sour cream or cream cheese into the tomato mixture before layering.

Variations:

• Italian Style: Add oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a lasagna-inspired twist.
• Mexican Flavor: Replace tomato sauce with enchilada sauce and add cumin, chili powder, and a bit of corn.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix shredded cheese directly into the casserole layers for gooey texture throughout.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat for a lighter, meatless dinner.

Cabbage Beef Bake

A hearty casserole layered with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, baked to perfection under melted cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cabbage Beef Bake

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 head cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil. Drain excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Layer half of the cabbage, beef mixture, and rice in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes.
8. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

This hearty casserole is a comforting make-ahead meal that freezes well for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cabbage Beef Bake with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. The tangy tomato base pairs wonderfully with a creamy side like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. For a cozy family dinner, add a slice of buttered cornbread and enjoy with a chilled glass of iced tea.

If you’re hosting guests, portion the casserole into individual ramekins—it looks elegant and makes serving a breeze.

Storage Information:
This casserole stores beautifully! Once cooled, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
To freeze, let it cool completely, wrap securely in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ:

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
  Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
• Can I make it ahead of time?
  Yes, assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• What type of cheese works best?
  Cheddar gives a classic sharp flavor, but mozzarella melts beautifully for a gooey texture.
• Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?
  Definitely—this recipe is very flexible. Adjust seasoning to match your protein choice.

History / Fun Facts:
Cabbage has been a staple ingredient in European and American kitchens for centuries, valued for its hardiness and affordability. The idea of baking cabbage with meat and tomato sauce likely evolved from old-fashioned “stuffed cabbage rolls,” a beloved dish among Eastern European immigrants. Instead of individually rolling cabbage leaves, busy home cooks began layering everything into one hearty bake—a timesaving twist that’s now a classic in its own right.

During the 1950s and ’60s, casseroles like this became a symbol of family dinners and community gatherings. They represented comfort, practicality, and a touch of nostalgia—a complete meal baked in one dish, easy to transport and even easier to love. Today, the cabbage beef bake remains a timeless comfort food, bridging generations and reminding us that the simplest meals often bring the greatest joy.