Description
This cozy and hearty Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is the perfect comfort food, combining the savory flavors of ground beef, cabbage, and melted cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. The layers of tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce make this bake a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and satisfying for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the bake.
2️⃣ In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened. If there is excess grease, drain it off.
3️⃣ In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced cabbage on the bottom. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cabbage. Then, add the remaining sliced cabbage on top of the beef.
4️⃣ In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture evenly over the cabbage and beef layers.
5️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then spread the mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a golden, crispy topping.
6️⃣ Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender, the sauce is bubbling, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
7️⃣ Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. For an extra pop of flavor, garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for some heat. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or lentils. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad for a complete meal.