Cabbage Beef Bake – Comforting One‑Pan Casserole for Busy Weeknights 🥘

This Cabbage Beef Bake is a filling, one‑pan casserole loaded with savory flavor and comforting ingredients. It’s made with tender layers of seasoned ground beef and cabbage, combined with rice and diced tomatoes, then baked until bubbling and finished with a layer of melted cheddar cheese. This simple, satisfying meal works well for busy weeknights.

Introduction

When weeknights are busy and you want something hearty, homey and satisfying, this Cabbage Beef Bake hits the mark. As Chef Ree Drummond might say: “It’s the sort of dish that hugs you from the inside.” You’ve got the comforting texture of rice, the robust flavour of seasoned ground beef, the tender crunch of cabbage and the warm blanket of cheddar melting on top.

You’ll find in this article everything you need: the full ingredients list, preparation steps, health & safety considerations, a nutrition and health‑benefits table, a section of FAQs, internal links to further reading on our site, and expert chef tips. Let’s get cooking!

Why This Dish Works

• Layering the cabbage, beef‑mixture and rice gives structure and ensures each bite is a satisfying mix of textures.
• Using a single baking dish simplifies cleanup, which is ideal for busy weeknights.
• It’s a complete meal in one: protein (ground beef), vegetable (cabbage), carbohydrate (rice) and flavourful sauce (diced tomatoes + seasonings).
• It lends itself to variations—swap in lean turkey, use brown rice, add extra veggies, etc.

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Ingredients

Here’s the ingredient list from your post, organised clearly (serves about 6):

• Ground beef: 1 pound (≈ 450 g)
• Medium onion, chopped: 1
• Cabbage, chopped: 3 cups (roughly one medium head‑cored and chopped)
• Diced tomatoes, undrained: 1 can (14.5 oz ≈ 411 g)
• Cooked rice: 1 cup (≈ 200 g cooked rice)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup (≈ 113 g)
• Beef broth: ½ cup (≈ 120 ml)

You can absolutely tweak the quantities slightly depending on your appetite, dietary needs or available ingredients.

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Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to bring this dish to life. As Chef Gordon Ramsay might advise: “Don’t rush flavour—let every layer earn its place.”

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13‑inch (≈ 23×33 cm) baking dish with a bit of oil or non‑stick spray.

Step 2: Brown the beef and onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 pound ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat. Then stir in the garlic powder (1 tsp), salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp).

Step 3: Layer the casserole

In the greased baking dish, spread **half** of the chopped cabbage (approx. 1 ½ cups) as the first layer. On top of that layer add the beef‑onion mixture. Then sprinkle the cooked rice (1 cup) evenly across. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) over the rice. Then top with the remaining chopped cabbage.

Step 4: Add broth and cover

Pour the ½ cup beef broth evenly over the layered casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

Step 5: Bake covered, then uncover and add cheese

Bake in the preheated oven, covered, for about 45 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) evenly over the top. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10‑15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 6: Rest, serve & enjoy

Allow the casserole to sit for about 5‑10 minutes after pulling from the oven. This helps it settle, makes serving cleaner, and lets flavours come together. Then slice into portions and serve—perhaps with a simple salad or vegetable side.

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Health Tips & Safety Considerations

Here are some key considerations to keep this meal both tasty and safe:

• Properly cook the beef. Make sure the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature (160 °F / 71 °C) to reduce risk of food‑borne illness.
• Drain excess fat. After browning the beef, draining helps prevent greasy casserole and helps overall fat content.
• Even layering helps cooking. If the cottage is too thick or uneven, some parts may under‑cook; spreading layers evenly ensures the cabbage and rice cook through.
• Let it rest before serving. This prevents burns from overly hot casserole and gives it time to set for cleaner slicing.
• Vegetable intake. The cabbage is a good vegetable component—if you’d like additional veggies, you could add sliced bell pepper, carrots or zucchini for more colour and nutrition.
• Dietary modifications. For a leaner version: use lean ground beef (90% or higher), reduce the cheese or use lower‑fat cheddar, and consider using brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Many versions of beef & cabbage casseroles are adapted for lower carb or lighter meals. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Nutrition & Health Benefits Table

Below is a rough estimation of nutrition per serving when the whole recipe is divided into 6 servings. Please treat as an approximation—actual values will vary based on exact brands, lean/fat ratio of beef, type of rice, cheese brand, etc.

Health benefits summary:

• The cabbage adds volume with few calories and contributes fibre, vitamins and antioxidants—helpful for digestion and satiety.
• The lean ground beef gives high‑quality protein and essential micronutrients like iron, zinc and B vitamins.
• Including rice ensures the dish is more filling and balanced for a full dinner rather than just a side dish.
• By using whole ingredients and keeping seasoning simple, you avoid overly processed components.

Tip: To boost the nutritional profile further you could use brown rice, reduce cheese slightly, or incorporate extra vegetables (e.g., bell peppers or mushrooms) mixed into the layers.

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Serving & Presentation Tips

Since this is a one‑pan casserole built for ease, here are some ways to serve and present it attractively:

• Once baked and rested, cut into neat rectangles or squares and serve each portion on a warm plate.
• Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for colour and freshness.
• Pair with a crisp green salad (mixed greens, cucumber, vinaigrette) or steamed green beans for extra veggies on the side.
• If you’d like, offer a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yoghurt on the side for those who like a cool contrast.
• Leftovers reheat well—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3‑4 days. Reheat in the oven at ~325 °F (165 °C) for ~10 minutes to refresh the topping and melt the cheese again.

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  Internal Links for Further Reading

  For more recipe ideas and deeper dives into comfort‑food casserole dinners and vegetable‑rich meals, you may find these articles helpful:

  • One‑Pan Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
  • Healthy Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Eat
  • Vegetable‑Packed Meals for Families: Make Veggies Welcome

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  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

  Yes — you can substitute cooked brown rice for the white rice to increase fibre and nutrient density. Just note that brown rice may take a little longer to cook or firm up in the baking dish.

  2. What if I don’t have beef broth?

  No problem — you can substitute chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water (though flavour may be slightly lighter). Using a good‑quality broth enhances the savoury base.

  3. Can I make this ahead of time?

  Absolutely. You can brown the beef and onion, chop the cabbage ahead of time, and even assemble the layers in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate up to a day before baking. If chilled, you may need to add a few extra minutes of bake time.

  4. How can I lighten this dish?

  To lighten the dish:
  – Use lean ground beef (90% or higher)
  – Use half‑fat or reduced‑fat cheddar, or reduce the amount of cheese slightly
  – Use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for fewer calories/carbs
  – Add extra non‑starchy vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell pepper) to increase volume without many additional calories

  5. Can I make this vegetarian or meatless?

  Yes — you can swap the ground beef for a plant‑based ground “beef” alternative, or use cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms as the protein base. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavour will change slightly but it remains hearty and satisfying.

  6. Will the cabbage be too crunchy or too soft?

  The cabbage texture can vary depending on how finely chopped and how long it bakes. If you prefer it softer, chop more finely and/or bake a few extra minutes. If you like a little bite, chop into larger pieces and don’t over‑bake.

  7. Can I freeze leftovers?

  You can freeze portions of the casserole. Cool completely, wrap or use freezer‑safe containers, and freeze for up to 2‑3 months. When reheating, thaw in fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for best texture (rather than microwave) to preserve cheese melt and avoid sogginess.

  8. What size baking dish should I use if I want larger servings?

  This recipe uses a 9×13‑inch baking dish (≈ 23×33 cm). If you want larger servings, you can use the same size but cut into fewer portions. If you want a smaller version (for 4 people), you could use an 8×8‑inch or 9×9‑inch dish and reduce cooking time slightly.

  9. My dish has quite a bit of liquid after baking—what can I do?

  If there’s excess liquid after baking (which can happen because cabbage and tomatoes release water), you can drain some before serving, or allow the casserole to rest uncovered for a few extra minutes so some of the moisture evaporates. Alternatively, you could reduce the beef broth slightly next time.

  10. What sides go well with this casserole?

  Some good side options:
  – A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
  – Steamed green beans or broccoli
  – Roasted carrots or parsnips
  – A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread if you’d like something extra
  These sides complement the richness of the casserole and add freshness/texture.

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  Conclusion & Final Thoughts

  This Cabbage Beef Bake is the kind of dish that becomes “go‑to” for your weekly dinner rotation: quick enough for a weeknight, but hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. As Chef Bobby Flay might encourage: “Focus on bold flavour, great texture and smart layering.”

  The layers of seasoned beef, tender cabbage, cooked rice and tomatoes all come together under a golden blanket of cheese to deliver comfort in every bite. By prepping ahead and keeping the steps straight, you’ll feel confident in serving this dish—and likely earn those “Can you make this again next week?” comments.

  Give it a try, serve it confidently, and enjoy the warm, welcoming meal you’ve created. 🙂