Description

This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that combines layers of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese, all baked together with a flavorful, savory sauce. With a crispy panko topping and melty cheese, it’s a cozy meal that’s perfect for cooler nights or when you’re craving a filling dinner. The combination of smoky paprika and thyme adds depth to the flavors, while the cheddar and mozzarella give it a creamy richness.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bake:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Layer the Cabbage In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the sliced cabbage evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the cooked beef mixture over the cabbage. Add the remaining cabbage on top of the beef.

Step 4: Add the Sauce In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage and beef layers.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and spread them evenly over the cheese for a crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. The ground beef adds heartiness, while the cabbage softens during baking, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce and beef. The combination of cheeses gives the dish a creamy richness, while the panko breadcrumbs on top offer a satisfying crunch. You can make this dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving for an easy weeknight meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the savory flavors. It’s a perfect meal for the whole family to enjoy!