Cabbage & Ground Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a flavorful seasoning mix all baked together into one easy-to-make casserole. This dish is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a cozy, low-carb meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up after
- Hearty and filling with the perfect balance of flavors
- Low-carb and keto-friendly, making it great for those following a specific diet
- Budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
- A great option for meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a crowd
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Green cabbage (shredded)
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Prepare the cabbage: While the beef mixture is cooking, shred the cabbage and add it to the skillet, mixing it into the beef mixture. Let the cabbage cook down for about 5-10 minutes until softened but still slightly crunchy.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly (if using cheese).
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or with your favorite side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
- Different Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a variation in flavor.
- Cheese Options: Use a different type of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even parmesan for a cheesy topping.
- Low-Carb Option: For an even lower-carb dish, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or leave it out entirely.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool it completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can all be used in place of ground beef.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
What’s the best way to serve this dish?
This casserole is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or some low-carb bread to soak up the juices.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients.
Can I skip the cheese topping?
Yes, the cheese is optional. The casserole will still be delicious without it!
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soggy?
Make sure not to overcook the cabbage. It should be slightly tender but still have some crunch when baked.
Can I use frozen cabbage?
It’s best to use fresh cabbage for this recipe, as frozen cabbage can become too watery when baked.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Cabbage & Ground Beef Bake is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and delicious seasonings, this casserole is a satisfying and low-carb meal that the whole family will enjoy. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making time and time again!
Print
Cabbage & Ground Beef Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casseroles, Low-Carb Recipes, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cabbage & Ground Beef Bake is a hearty, low-carb casserole that combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful seasonings in one easy-to-make dish. This comforting bake is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying, budget-friendly meal that’s both delicious and keto-friendly. It’s customizable with various veggies, cheeses, and meats to suit your taste!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium green cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
-
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
-
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
-
Add the tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Prepare the cabbage: While the beef mixture is cooking, shred the cabbage and add it to the skillet, mixing it into the beef mixture. Allow the cabbage to cook down for 5-10 minutes, until softened but still slightly crunchy.
-
Assemble the bake: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
-
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly (if using cheese).
-
Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or serve with a side salad.
Notes
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrients, stir in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.
- Different Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage to change up the flavor.
- Cheese Options: Use mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan for a cheesy topping.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip any rice or grains to keep the dish low-carb. You can also use cauliflower rice for an even lighter version.
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