Description
This hearty Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining ground beef, fresh cabbage, diced tomatoes, and rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal with savory seasonings and an inviting golden cheese crust.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cups cabbage, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion has softened.
- Drain Fat: Carefully drain off any excess fat from the cooked beef and onion mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Season Beef Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Layer First Cabbage: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the base layer.
- Add Beef Mixture: Evenly spread the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture over the cabbage layer.
- Add Cooked Rice: Sprinkle the cooked rice evenly over the beef mixture to add texture and bulk.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes along with their juice over the rice layer for moisture and tangy flavor.
- Add Remaining Cabbage: Top the dish with the remaining chopped cabbage, covering the layered ingredients.
- Add Broth: Gently pour the beef broth over the entire dish to keep it moist during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to tenderize the cabbage and meld flavors.
- Remove Foil: Carefully remove the foil to prepare for the cheese topping.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for a rich, golden finish.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve this warm, cheesy, and comforting meal to your family or guests and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly cooked rice for best texture; leftover rice works great too.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend.
- Make ahead: assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily.