Hearty Comfort in a Casserole Dish: Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe
When it comes to comforting meals that are both satisfying and wholesome, few dishes can rival the humble casserole. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, cabbage, and cheese into a delightful one-dish wonder – Cabbage Beef Bake. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium
- Cabbage (finely chopped): 3 cups
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): 1 can (14.5 ounces)
- Cooked rice: 1 cup
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup
Instructions for Preparing Cabbage Beef Bake:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the finely chopped cabbage and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Layer in the Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the beef broth over the top of the mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meat alternative. Simply sauté the lentils or meat alternative with the onion and continue with the recipe as written.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef and cabbage mixture for an extra kick.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste, as ground turkey and chicken have milder flavors compared to beef.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? A: Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe. Just keep in mind that brown rice may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly or use pre-cooked brown rice for convenience.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can omit the rice altogether and increase the amount of cabbage to bulk up the dish. You can also use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Additionally, be mindful of the type and amount of cheese used, opting for full-fat varieties and controlling portions to fit your keto macros.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb version, you can reduce the amount of rice used or omit it entirely. Increase the amount of cabbage and other low-carb vegetables to add volume and texture to the dish. Use a moderate amount of cheese and choose a variety with fewer carbs per serving.
Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep work, you can whip up a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own variations, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy goodness of homemade comfort food!
