If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and delicious dinner, this savory ground beef & cabbage bake is a must-try! Packed with protein-rich ground beef, nutrient-dense cabbage, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers comfort food satisfaction without requiring hours in the kitchen.

This dish is inspired by classic cabbage rolls, but with a simpler, bake-style twist. Instead of individually wrapping cabbage leaves, you’ll layer tender shredded cabbage with a rich, seasoned beef mixture and a delicious cheesy topping. The result? A flavorful and filling meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare.

Cooking with ground beef is always a great choice for quick meals. It’s affordable, versatile, and pairs well with bold flavors. If you’re interested in learning more about the different cuts of beef and how they affect texture, check out this guide on ground beef. Meanwhile, cabbage is a low-calorie superfood packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants—you can read more about its health benefits here.

This recipe isn’t just about flavor—it’s also a meal-prep winner! You can make it ahead of time, store it easily, and reheat leftovers without losing texture or taste. If you’re looking for more quick and easy dinner ideas, check out this collection on Pinterest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This savory cabbage and beef bake is more than just a simple dinner—it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals. Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Quick & Easy Preparation – With just a few simple steps, you can have this dish in the oven in under 15 minutes. No complicated techniques—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Ground beef and cabbage are some of the most affordable ingredients available, making this dish a cost-effective option for feeding a family.
Nutritious & Healthy – Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while lean ground beef provides a great source of protein and iron. This dish is perfect for a balanced meal. Learn more about the nutritional benefits of cabbage here.
Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers – This recipe stores well, making it a great choice for meal prepping. Simply refrigerate and reheat for a quick and delicious meal. For more meal-prep ideas, check out these helpful Pinterest meal prep boards.
Comforting & Satisfying – The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and cheesy topping makes this a true comfort food classic.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a delicious baked dish, this ground beef & cabbage bake is the perfect choice!

Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you customize this savory cabbage and beef bake to your liking. Let’s break down the components:

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef – The star of the dish! Use lean ground beef for a lighter option or 80/20 ground beef for a richer flavor. Want to know more about different types of ground beef? Check out this guide.
1 small onion, diced – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the savory taste of the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced – A must-have for that aromatic, rich flavor.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – Provides a bit of moisture and a subtle tangy contrast to the beef.
1 tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
1 tsp paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and a pop of color. Learn more about paprika’s flavor profile here.
½ tsp dried oregano – Enhances the dish with an earthy, slightly sweet taste.

For the Cabbage Layer:

4 cups cabbage, shredded – The base of this dish! Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this meal not just tasty but also nutritious. Read more about its health benefits here.
1 tbsp olive oil – Helps sauté the cabbage for better texture and flavor.
½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp black pepper – Seasoning that enhances the natural taste of the cabbage.

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully, creating a creamy, golden-brown topping. If you love cheese, explore more about cheddar cheese varieties here.
½ cup sour cream – Adds a creamy texture and slight tanginess to balance the richness of the beef.
1 egg, beaten – Helps bind the topping, giving it a slightly custard-like consistency.

With these simple and accessible ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare while delivering maximum flavor. Ready to start cooking? Let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions! 🚀

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the simple steps to prepare this savory cabbage and beef bake.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cabbage if not pre-cut.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
Stir in diced onions and garlic; cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir well.
Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Cabbage

In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add the shredded cabbage and season with salt and black pepper.
Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened but still vibrant.

For more details on how sautéing enhances flavor, check out this article on cooking techniques.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the sautéed cabbage evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Pour the beef mixture on top, spreading it out to cover the cabbage.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, beaten egg, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Spread this creamy mixture over the beef layer, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a crispier top? Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking!

With these simple steps, your comforting, cheesy cabbage and beef bake is ready to enjoy! Next, let’s explore some cooking tips and recipe variations to customize this dish even further. 🚀

Cooking Tips & Variations

Making the perfect savory cabbage and beef bake is easy, but a few extra tips can take it to the next level. Whether you’re looking to enhance the flavor, adjust for dietary needs, or try a new twist, these tips will help you customize this dish to your liking.

Expert Tips for the Best Cabbage Beef Bake

Use fresh cabbage – Freshly shredded cabbage has the best texture. Pre-packaged cabbage works too but may be drier.
Drain excess fat – If using fattier ground beef, drain the grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Let it rest before serving – Allowing the bake to sit for 5-10 minutes helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Season well – Cabbage can be mild in flavor, so don’t be afraid to add extra garlic, onion powder, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Use a different cheese – While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Check out more about cheddar cheese varieties here.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Try one of these delicious variations:

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly – Swap the sour cream for full-fat heavy cream and use a higher-fat ground beef for a keto version. Learn more about low-carb diets here.
Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
Vegetarian Option – Replace ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes.
Mexican-Style Twist – Add taco seasoning, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and serve with salsa and avocado.
Italian-Inspired – Add Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese for a lasagna-like version.

By tweaking the recipe to fit your preferences, you can turn this dish into something uniquely delicious every time! Next, let’s explore serving suggestions to complete your meal. 🚀

Serving Suggestions

This savory cabbage and beef bake is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make it even more satisfying. Here are some delicious serving ideas to round out your dinner:

With Crusty Bread – A slice of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
Over Mashed Potatoes or Rice – For a heartier meal, serve this bake over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed white/brown rice.
With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
As a Casserole Bowl – Serve a portion in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
With a Roasted Vegetable Side – Try pairing this dish with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or steamed green beans for extra nutrients.

Looking for more cozy and comforting dinner ideas? Check out these delicious recipes on Pinterest: Comfort Food Dinners.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This ground beef & cabbage bake is great for leftovers and perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For best results, let the casserole cool before storing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Portion into individual servings, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.

Reheating

Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes per serving, stirring halfway through.

Need more meal prep tips? Check out these ideas on Pinterest for more inspiration!

FAQs – Answering Common Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no extra prep required!

2. What’s the best way to cut cabbage for this dish?

For the best texture, shred the cabbage thinly using a knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor. This helps it cook evenly and blend well with the beef mixture.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef. If using turkey or chicken, add extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! This beef and cabbage bake is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain flour, pasta, or breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check ingredient labels on any store-bought seasonings.

5. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

To avoid excess moisture:

Drain the diced tomatoes well before adding them.
Don’t overcook the cabbage before baking—it should still have some structure.
Let the dish rest after baking so the layers can firm up before slicing.

For more casserole cooking tips, check out this guide on baking techniques.

Savory Ground Beef & Cabbage Bake – A Quick and Tasty Dinner Idea