Introduction
The Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a blend of flavorful spices, all baked to perfection. This satisfying casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep and can easily be enjoyed by everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef
– 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 6
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the cabbage and dice the onion.
2. **Cook the Beef Mixture:**
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned and breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in onions and garlic; cook until softened. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
3. **Assemble the Dish:**
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage. Top with the remaining cabbage.
4. **Bake:**
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Serve:**
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
– Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
– Spice It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
– Make It Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the assembly step, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Storage and Reheating
– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: This dish freezes well. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy this Cabbage Beef Bake, a timeless classic that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Chop the cabbage and dice the onion.
Cook the Beef Mixture:
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add ground beef, cooking until browned and breaking it apart with a spoon.
– Stir in onions and garlic; cook until softened.
– Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Dish:
– In a greased baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage.
– Pour the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage.
– Top with the remaining cabbage.
Bake:
– Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
– Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
– Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Vegetarian Option:
– Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils.
Spice It Up:
– Add a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
Make It Ahead:
– Prepare the casserole up to the assembly step, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Refrigeration:
– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
– This dish freezes well. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
– Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Cook techniques
Ingredient Preparation
Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. This includes chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dicing the onion.
Cooking Ground Beef
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Ensure it is fully browned to develop flavor.
Layering the Casserole
Layer ingredients in a greased baking dish, starting with cabbage, followed by the beef mixture, and finishing with more cabbage on top. This helps distribute flavors and ensures even cooking.
Baking Techniques
Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to retain moisture. Remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly without burning.
Serving Suggestions
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the assembly step, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
How can I reheat the Cabbage Beef Bake?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for 2-3 minutes for individual portions.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Cabbage Beef Bake is not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but it also offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. With its combination of hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that provides comfort while being easy to prepare. This casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring that you have a delightful meal ready whenever you need it.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Greek-Inspired Cabbage Bake
Add olives, feta cheese, and oregano to the beef mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Mexican Cabbage Dish
Incorporate taco seasoning, black beans, and corn to create a zesty Mexican variation.
Vegetarian Cabbage Bake
Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and quinoa for a nutritious meatless option.
Ranch-Style Cabbage Bake
Mix in ranch dressing and top with crispy bacon bits for a flavor-packed ranch-inspired dish.
Cheesy Italian Cabbage Bake
Add Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a hearty Italian flair.
