Cabbage Beef Bake

 

Cabbage Beef Bake – One-Pan Comfort Food Without the Fuss

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls but not the hassle of rolling and stuffing, this Cabbage Beef Bake is your new go-to weeknight wonder. This hearty one-pan casserole brings all the rich, savory goodness of traditional cabbage rolls — layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato-sour cream sauce, topped with golden melted Swiss cheese — without any of the tedious prep.

It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings, busy schedules, or feeding a hungry family. Plus, everything comes together in a single 9×13 baking dish, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying what really matters: eating.

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  Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Beef Bake

All the flavor of cabbage rolls, none of the work

One pan = easy cleanup

Feeds a crowd — perfect for meal prep or family dinners

Customizable with your favorite cheeses or ground meats

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  Ingredients & Why They Matter

For the Casserole Base

1 medium head green cabbage, shredded

The heart of the dish. As it bakes, cabbage softens and sweetens, offering a mild, tender contrast to the bold beef and tomato sauce.

1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

Brings richness, protein, and that classic savory depth essential to cabbage rolls. Leaner beef reduces excess grease.

1 medium onion, finely chopped

Adds a savory-sweet base of flavor and aroma that builds the dish’s depth.

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Boosts the flavor profile with warmth and subtle spice. Garlic elevates the beef and complements the cabbage perfectly.

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For the Tomato Cream Sauce

1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Forms the base of the sauce — tangy, rich, and a little sweet. A must for recreating cabbage roll flavor.

½ cup sour cream

Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a luxuriously creamy, comforting sauce.

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce, giving it body and richness.

1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)

Adds warmth and color. Smoked paprika brings a subtle smoky flavor; sweet paprika leans more classic and mild.

½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

Offers herbal balance to the rich meat and tomato components — earthy and aromatic.

Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Essential for rounding out and enhancing every flavor in the dish.

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For the Topping

1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella or Gruyère)

Swiss adds a nutty, buttery richness that melts beautifully. Mozzarella gives stretch and creaminess, while Gruyère adds sharper, more sophisticated flavor.

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Optional

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Used to sauté the onion and garlic, ensuring they soften and release their full flavor before baking.

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  Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Make the Sauce

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sour cream, and thyme or oregano. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

5. Layer the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish:

Spread half of the shredded cabbage on the bottom.

Spoon over half of the beef mixture.

Repeat with remaining cabbage and beef sauce.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.

7. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling and the cabbage is fork-tender.

8. Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

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  Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Beef Bake

Slice cabbage finely for even cooking and a softer texture.

Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy dish — or swap with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Add rice to the beef mixture if you want a heartier, more classic cabbage roll-style casserole.

Let it rest before serving — it holds together better and enhances the flavor.

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  Serving Suggestions

Pair this cozy casserole with:

A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette

Buttered egg noodles or crusty bread to soak up the sauce

A glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling for balance

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  Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

This Cabbage Beef Bake is loved for its simplicity, hearty ingredients, and comfort food appeal. It’s nostalgic without being outdated — a modern take on a classic that fits right into busy lives and picky appetites. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or feeding guests, it checks every box: flavorful, filling, and fuss-free.

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   Final Thoughts: Cozy, Easy, and Absolutely Delicious

If you’re looking for a no-fuss cabbage roll alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this Cabbage Beef Bake is the answer. It delivers all the hearty satisfaction of a traditional dish, but with a simplified method that’s perfect for weeknights. With layers of tender cabbage, rich beef, creamy tomato sauce, and a cheesy, golden topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite — and a standout in your recipe rotation.

Try it once, and yo

u’ll be hooked. One pan. Big flavor. Zero rolling required.

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