Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Cabbage Beef Bake is a delicious, budget-friendly meal that comes together in just one dish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Imagine layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese—all baked to perfection in a rich tomato-infused broth. Sounds amazing, right? Trust me, this one is bound to become a household favorite!

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible and how you can whip it up in no time.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

✔ One-Pan Wonder: No need to juggle multiple pots and pans. This entire dish comes together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
✔ Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and rice, this recipe won’t break the bank.
✔ Comforting & Hearty: A warm, cheesy casserole that fills you up and satisfies every craving.
✔ Perfect for Leftovers: Like many casseroles, this dish tastes even better the next day!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Before we start, here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to bring this comforting casserole to life:

✅ 1 pound ground beef – The hearty base of the dish, adding rich, meaty flavor.
✅ 1 medium onion, chopped – Brings a mild sweetness and depth to the dish.
✅ 3 cups cabbage, chopped – The star of the show! Cabbage softens beautifully while adding bulk and nutrients.
✅ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds a fresh, slightly tangy element to balance the flavors.
✅ 1 cup cooked rice – Provides extra heartiness and soaks up all the delicious juices.
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall savory flavor.
✅ 1 teaspoon salt – A must for seasoning!
✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little bit of warmth and spice.
✅ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because everything is better with melty cheese!
✅ ½ cup beef broth – Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful while it bakes.

HOW TO MAKE CABBAGE BEEF BAKE

This recipe is super simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in no time!

this recipe

STEP 1: PREP YOUR OVEN AND BAKING DISH

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

STEP 2: COOK THE BEEF AND ONIONS

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion together. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
🔹 TIP: For best results, cook until the beef is no longer pink, and the onions are soft and translucent.

Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to season the mixture. Set aside.

STEP 3: LAYER THE CASSEROLE

Now comes the fun part—assembling the layers!

1️⃣ First layer: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
2️⃣ Second layer: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cabbage.
3️⃣ Third layer: Sprinkle the cooked rice over the beef.
4️⃣ Fourth layer: Pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) over the rice, distributing evenly.
5️⃣ Fifth layer: Add the remaining cabbage, spreading it out as the final layer.
6️⃣ Sixth layer: Pour the beef broth over the top to help everything cook to tender perfection.

🔹 TIP: Gently press the layers down with a spoon to help the broth soak through everything evenly.

Now that your Cabbage Beef Bake is assembled, it’s time to pop it in the oven and let the magic happen! This step is where all the flavors meld together, creating a warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole.

STEP 4: BAKE COVERED FOR TENDERNESS

Once your casserole is layered and ready to go, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps in steam, ensuring the cabbage softens and the flavors blend beautifully.

👩‍🍳 Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
During this time, the cabbage will tenderize, the rice will absorb all those delicious juices, and the beef will become even more flavorful.

🔹 PRO TIP: If you prefer your cabbage to have a slight bite, reduce the covered baking time to 35 minutes instead.

STEP 5: ADD THE CHEESY GOODNESS

Once the casserole has baked for 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Now comes the best part—the cheesy topping!

1️⃣ Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
2️⃣ Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes.
3️⃣ Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

This final step takes your casserole from great to absolutely irresistible! The melty cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy finish that makes every bite mouthwateringly delicious.

🔹 VARIATION TIP: Want extra crispy cheese? Turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

STEP 6: LET IT REST & SERVE

Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes scooping much easier.

🍽 Serving Ideas:

• Enjoy as-is for a satisfying one-pan meal.
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
• Add a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy contrast.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST CABBAGE BEEF BAKE

✔ Use fresh cabbage: While pre-cut coleslaw mix can work, fresh cabbage provides the best texture and flavor.
✔ Choose lean ground beef: If using beef with higher fat content, drain it well to avoid excess grease.
✔ Season generously: The cabbage and rice absorb a lot of flavor, so don’t skimp on the seasoning.
✔ Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is a classic, you can also try mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick!
✔ Make it low-carb: Skip the rice and add extra cabbage for a keto-friendly version.

VARIATIONS TO TRY

One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

🌱 Make it vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
🍚 Try a different grain: Instead of rice, use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even diced potatoes.
🌶 Add some spice: Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
🥓 Bacon lovers: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top for an extra smoky flavor.

STORING & REHEATING

One of the best things about this Cabbage Beef Bake is that it tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

🧊 TO STORE:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🔥 TO REHEAT:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

🔹 FREEZER TIP: This casserole is freezer-friendly!

• Before baking: Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• After baking: Let it cool completely, then freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals.

By now, your Cabbage Beef Bake is hot, cheesy, and ready to be devoured. But before you dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help troubleshoot any issues and ensure your casserole is as delicious as possible.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered cooking time to compensate for the chill.

2. What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?

You have two options for freezing:
1️⃣ Before baking: Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
2️⃣ After baking: Let it cool completely, then cut it into portions. Store in airtight freezer containers and freeze. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! While ground beef gives this dish its classic hearty flavor, you can substitute:
✅ Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
✅ Italian sausage for a richer, spicier taste.
✅ Ground pork for a slightly sweeter, juicier option.

🔹 PRO TIP: If using a leaner meat like turkey, add a little extra olive oil or butter to keep it from drying out.

4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Great news—this dish is already gluten-free as long as your beef broth and canned tomatoes don’t contain added flour or thickeners. To be safe, always check labels before purchasing ingredients.

5. Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid so the rice can fully cook.
👩‍🍳 If using uncooked rice, add an extra ½ cup of beef broth and bake for an additional 15 minutes covered before proceeding with the cheese topping.

6. My casserole came out too watery—how can I fix it?

Because cabbage naturally releases water while cooking, sometimes the casserole may turn out a bit soupy. Here’s how to prevent it:
✔ Drain the beef well after cooking to remove excess grease.
✔ Pat the cabbage dry with paper towels before layering it in the dish.
✔ Bake uncovered for an extra 10 minutes at the end to let some of the liquid evaporate.

7. How can I add more flavor to the casserole?

If you love bolder flavors, try these add-ins:
🌿 Spices: Smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, or Italian seasoning.
🧄 More garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds extra depth.
🥓 Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon on top before adding cheese for a smoky kick.
🧀 Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with mozzarella, Swiss, or Parmesan for an even cheesier experience.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU NEED TO TRY THIS CABBAGE BEEF BAKE

This Cabbage Beef Bake is the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and packed with delicious layers of flavor. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family.

Here’s why you’ll love it:
✅ Minimal prep, maximum flavor
✅ Perfectly cheesy & comforting
✅ Great for leftovers & meal prep
✅ Customizable to your taste

Cabbage Beef Bake

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• Author: Andrew Recipes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Print Recipe

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Description

This hearty, comforting casserole combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious and easy meal. It’s a perfect one-pan dish that’s both budget-friendly and full of flavor!

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Ingredients

✅ 1 pound ground beef

✅ 1 medium onion, chopped

✅ 3 cups cabbage, chopped

✅ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

✅ 1 cup cooked rice

✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder

✅ 1 teaspoon salt

✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper

✅ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

✅ ½ cup beef broth

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

3️⃣ Layer the casserole:

Spread half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the cabbage.

Sprinkle with the cooked rice, then pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) over the top.

Add the remaining cabbage, then pour the beef broth over everything.

4️⃣ Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

5️⃣ Add cheese & finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

💡 Make it low-carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it altogether.
🥩 Add more protein: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
🌶 Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
🧀 More cheese, please! Try adding mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6