This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a cozy, hearty casserole that layers tender cabbage with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and melty cheese. It’s a warm, oven-baked dish that brings together classic flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this bake turns humble ingredients into something so satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and fills the kitchen with amazing aromas while it bakes. The cabbage softens beautifully, soaking up the flavors of the beef and tomato sauce, and the cheesy topping pulls it all together. It’s like a low-carb twist on lasagna—with no noodles needed.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Onion
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Garlic
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Green cabbage
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Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
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Tomato paste
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Worcestershire sauce
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper
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Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
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Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F.
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In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned and fragrant. I drain off any excess fat.
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I stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
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While the meat sauce simmers, I chop the cabbage and sauté it in a separate skillet with a bit of olive oil until slightly softened, about 5–7 minutes.
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In a greased 9x13 baking dish, I layer half of the cabbage, then half of the meat mixture, and repeat.
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I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then cover the dish with foil.
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I bake it for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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I let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
I sometimes add cooked rice or quinoa to the meat mixture for a heartier bake. For a spicy twist, I use diced tomatoes with green chiles and add crushed red pepper flakes. I’ve also swapped the ground beef for ground turkey
Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Low-Carb
- Method: Baking, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, oven-baked casserole made with layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a budget-friendly, low-carb comfort food perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Green cabbage (chopped)
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- While sauce simmers, sauté chopped cabbage in olive oil or butter for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the cabbage, half the meat mixture, then repeat.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the meat mixture for a fuller casserole.
- For a spicier version, use tomatoes with green chiles and red pepper flakes.
- Swap ground beef for turkey.
- Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to stretch the dish.
, depending on what I have on hand. If I want it creamier, I stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese to the meat layer before baking.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the oven, I cover it with foil and warm at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. It also freezes well—either the whole bake or individual portions. I just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping and freezing.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake. I just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What kind of cabbage works best?
I usually use green cabbage because it softens nicely and holds up well in baking. Napa or savoy cabbage would also work, but red cabbage can discolor the dish.
Can I make this low-carb or keto-friendly?
It already fits into a low-carb lifestyle, especially if I skip adding rice or starchy sides. I make sure the tomato products don’t have added sugar, and I’m good to go.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
I go with mozzarella for a melty finish or cheddar for a sharper flavor. A mix of both gives me the best of both worlds.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. I’ve added zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture. It’s a great way to use up whatever I have in the fridge.
Conclusion
This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is one of those dependable, comforting meals I come back to again and again. It’s warm, filling, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or prepping ahead for a busy week. I love how adaptable it is—and how I never hear complaints when it hits the table.
