Savory Cabbage Beef Bake – glassika recipes

Savory Cabbage Beef Bake – A Hearty & Comforting Meal

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that brings together simple, budget-friendly ingredients into a delicious dish. This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is exactly that—a perfect combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings, all baked together to create a wholesome, satisfying meal.

If you love classic stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours rolling and assembling, this casserole-style dish gives you all the flavors with half the effort. The blend of savory beef, tender cabbage, and the richness of Worcestershire sauce and paprika makes every bite irresistible. Plus, the addition of cooked rice ensures a balanced and filling meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter dish, a freezer-friendly meal, or just an easy way to use up cabbage, this recipe is a must-try. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for comfort food lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Simple & Affordable – Uses everyday pantry staples.
✔ Hearty & Comforting – Perfect for cozy meals and family dinners.
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Reheats beautifully and great for meal prep.
✔ Full of Flavor – Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic create a deep, rich taste.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Beef Bake:

🥩 1 lb ground beef
🧅 1 small onion, chopped
🥬 1 small cabbage, shredded
🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
🍚 1 cup cooked rice
🥄 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🌶 1 teaspoon paprika
🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Savory Cabbage Beef Bake

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the Beef & Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

3️⃣ Add Seasonings & Tomatoes

Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4️⃣ Layer the Cabbage & Beef Mixture

Spread half of the shredded cabbage in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the beef mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.

5️⃣ Add the Rice

Evenly distribute the cooked rice over the top of the beef and cabbage mixture. The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors while keeping the dish hearty.

6️⃣ Bake the Casserole

Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the cabbage is tender.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal!

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay – “A well-balanced, rustic dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cabbage and the richness of beef.”
Martha Stewart – “Simple, satisfying, and nostalgic—this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.”
Bobby Flay – “Adding a touch of smoked paprika brings out even more depth in this classic casserole.”
Ina Garten – “A great make-ahead meal that only gets better the next day!”
Jamie Oliver – “This is an amazing way to use cabbage, turning it into something hearty and packed with flavor.”
Nigella Lawson – “The Worcestershire sauce adds just the right amount of umami to make this dish irresistible.”
Ree Drummond – “A true comfort food that’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours on it.”
Emeril Lagasse – “A fantastic texture with layers of soft cabbage, beef, and rice—it’s a winner!”
Christina Tosi – “Add a little cheese on top, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort meal.”
Rachael Ray – “A super easy weeknight dinner that’s filling, affordable, and absolutely delicious!”

Serving Suggestions

✅ Crusty Bread – Serve with warm buttered bread or garlic toast.
✅ Side Salad – A light Greek or garden salad pairs beautifully.
✅ Roasted Vegetables – Try it with carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
✅ Cheesy Topping – Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage & Leftovers

🔹 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔹 Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
🔹 Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner version.

2. How do I make this dish low-carb? Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or omit it.

3. Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

4. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce? Try soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or coconut aminos.

5. Can I add cheese on top? Yes! Cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella make an excellent topping.

6. How do I make this dish vegetarian? Swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms.

7. Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes! Savoy or Napa cabbage works well, though they may cook faster.

8. Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice? It’s best to use pre-cooked rice for the best texture.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

10. Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.

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Conclusion

This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is the perfect one-pan meal that brings together hearty beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful seasonings for a comforting and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal, meal prep, or a family gathering, this dish is easy, budget-friendly, and full of delicious flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a homemade meal packed with warmth and goodness. Once you try it, this classic casserole will become a regular on your dinner table! 🥬🥩🍅