Description

Cabbage Beef Bake is a cozy, one-dish meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese layered together and baked to perfection. It’s like a lazy cabbage roll—no rolling needed, just pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier dish)
1/2 head green cabbage, chopped (about 4-5 cups)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the dish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Season & Simmer: Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and rice (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Sauté the Cabbage: In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook chopped cabbage for 5–7 minutes, until slightly tender but not fully cooked.
Assemble the Bake: Layer half the cabbage in the bottom of the baking dish, followed by half the beef mixture and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a more filling base.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Tastes even better the next day—perfect for leftovers!

You can add a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some kick.