There’s something magical about a hearty casserole bubbling away in the oven while you unwind from the day. And this Savory Cabbage Beef Bake might just become your new midweek go-to.
I still remember the first time I tossed this together out of sheer desperation—half a head of cabbage, a pound of ground beef, and some pantry staples. I had three hungry kids giving me the look (you know the one), and zero desire to clean a sink full of pans. This bake came to the rescue… and now? It’s on regular rotation in my house.
Whether you’re cooking for a family of five or just want a cozy meal with leftovers for the week, this cabbage and ground beef recipe hits that sweet spot: hearty, easy, affordable, and soul-satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
- One-dish wonder: No juggling skillets and saucepans—just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- Budget-friendly: Cabbage, ground beef, rice… pantry MVPs that won’t break the bank.
- Hearty yet wholesome: Feels indulgent, but clocks in at just 320 calories per serving.
- Freezer-friendly: Make once, enjoy twice (or even three times!).
- Family-tested: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
What Does Savory Cabbage Beef Bake Taste Like?
Think stuffed cabbage rolls—but without all the rolling and fussing. It’s rich with savory tomato flavor, warm spices, and the slight sweetness that cabbage develops when it’s baked just right. Every bite is a comforting blend of soft veggies, seasoned beef, and fluffy rice.
If you’ve ever loved Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, or hearty casseroles like Cabbage Roll Casserole, you’re going to adore this one.
What You’ll Need for This Cabbage and Ground Beef Bake
Pull up that pantry list—this is about to be one of the easiest dinner preps you’ve had all week.
Ingredients in Detail:
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Go lean or go with 80/20 for more flavor—your call.
- 1 small Onion, chopped: Sweet or yellow onion adds that mellow, savory base.
- 1 small Cabbage, shredded: Roughly 4–5 cups. Don’t overthink the slicing!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes: With juices—don’t drain. You want that moisture.
- 1 cup Cooked Rice: White or brown both work. Great use for leftovers!
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that punchy umami magic.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: Smoked paprika gives it extra depth.
- Salt and Pepper to taste
📌 Want more cabbage-based comfort? Try my Homemade Cabbage Soup Recipe next.
How to Make Savory Cabbage Beef Bake (Step-by-Step)
Making this Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is easier than folding laundry during a toddler tantrum—and way more rewarding. Follow this step by step guide to bring this hearty dish from stovetop to table with confidence (and maybe even a little joy).
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your oven time to get to the right temperature while you prep everything else. A preheated oven is key to getting that evenly baked, fork-tender cabbage goodness.
🔗 Need help understanding oven temperatures? Check out our oven conversion and prep tips.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 small chopped onion. Cook them together over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onion turns soft and slightly golden. This step builds your flavor base—don’t rush it!
📝 Tip: Using lean ground beef? You might not need to drain much fat. Using 80/20? Go ahead and spoon out some of the grease for a less oily final dish.
🔗 Want to explore more recipes with this base? Try our Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in 1 small cabbage, shredded (about 4–5 cups). Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, just until it starts to soften and shrink down. You’re not looking to fully cook it here—that magic will happen in the oven.
Cabbage might seem like a lot at first, but trust the process—it cooks down beautifully and soaks up all the savory flavors.
🔗 First time working with cabbage? Read our ingredient prep guide to make chopping less intimidating.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasonings
Now, let’s bring in the flavor:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including the juice
- 1 cup cooked rice (great way to use leftovers!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir everything together thoroughly so the flavors begin to blend. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the cabbage finish wilting and the seasonings mingle.
📝 Tip: If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can stand in. See our ingredient substitution list for more ideas.
Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish
Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (a 9×13 works well). Pour the beef and cabbage mixture into the dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. You want a fairly flat top so it bakes consistently.
📝 Pro Tip: Want a crispy topping? Sprinkle on a little shredded cheese or crushed crackers before baking.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover your dish with aluminum foil—this keeps moisture in and helps the cabbage cook to tender perfection without drying out. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.
Check around the 30-minute mark. The casserole is ready when the cabbage is fully tender and the tomato juices have thickened just a bit.
🔗 Casserole fan? You’ll love our Tater Tot Casserole for another family favorite.
Step 7: Let It Rest, Then Serve
Once out of the oven, give it 5–10 minutes to rest. This makes it easier to slice and serve, and helps the flavors settle beautifully.
Serve warm, maybe with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad if you’re feeling fancy.
📝 Leftovers? They’re even better the next day. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
By following this Savory Cabbage Beef Bake step by step, you’ll end up with a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and just plain satisfying. It’s a recipe that doesn’t demand perfection—just a little patience, a big spoon, and an appetite for something comforting.
And if your family is anything like mine? Don’t expect leftovers to last long.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Savory Cabbage Beef Bake
- Shortcut alert: Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix if you’re in a time crunch.
- Don’t skip the foil: It helps trap steam and soften the cabbage perfectly.
- Add cheese (optional): Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy twist.
- Make it low-carb: Swap the rice for riced cauliflower—it works like a charm.
- Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
This dish became my go-to for Sunday nights when I want comfort without complication. I often double it and freeze one for those weeks when life’s just a little too much (you know the ones).
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or bake at 350°F until hot.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. It’s leaner and still flavorful.
What kind of rice works best?
Leftover white rice is ideal, but brown rice adds a nice chew if you’ve got the time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when ready to bake—maybe add 5–10 extra minutes.
What if my cabbage is still crunchy?
Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or sauté it a bit longer in the skillet before assembling.
Conclusion
If comfort had a casserole form, this would be it. This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake brings together cozy, down-home flavors in a fuss-free way—and that’s exactly what most of us need on a Tuesday night (or really any night).
So go ahead—grab your skillet, shred that cabbage, and let this dish bring a little warmth and simplicity back to your dinner table.
And if you try it? Tag me or leave a comment—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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Savory Cabbage Beef Bake – A Simple & Hearty Family Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Savory Cabbage Beef Bake combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful spices, baked together for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- 1 small Cabbage, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Cooked Rice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook until slightly wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cabbage, Beef, Easy, Comfort Food
