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This savory cabbage beef bake is the kind of comforting one-dish meal that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaves everyone happily full. Combining tender cabbage, hearty ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory tomato flavors, it’s the perfect family dinner that comes together fairly quickly and uses everyday ingredients. It’s a dish I return to when I want something warm and satisfying but without too much fuss.
I first made this on a chilly evening when I needed a cozy meal fast. Now my family asks for it regularly because of how comforting and flavorful it is.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: One pound ground beef which forms the hearty protein base. Choose freshly ground if you can for better flavor
- Onion: One small onion finely chopped to build a sweet and fragrant flavor foundation
- Cabbage: One small cabbage shredded which adds a tender, slightly sweet component and bulk to the dish. Look for firm, fresh cabbage heads without blemishes
- Diced tomatoes: One can of diced tomatoes with juice for a juicy, tangy element that brightens the whole dish. Opt for quality brands without added sugars
- Cooked rice: One cup cooked rice which makes this a complete meal. Use leftover rice or cook fresh but let it cool
- Worcestershire sauce: One tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for a subtle umami kick that deepens the flavor
- Paprika: One teaspoon paprika for a mild smoky warmth
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon garlic powder for a savory punch
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy with seasoning for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s hot and ready for baking. This ensures an even cooking environment.
- Brown the beef and onions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together. Stir frequently and cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent and soft. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich flavor base.
- Combine ingredients:
- Add the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly so the spices coat the meat mixture evenly and the cabbage begins to soften.
- Simmer to meld flavors:
- Let this mixture simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes. This step allows the ingredients to marry deeply, melding their flavors before baking.
- Transfer and cover:
- Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Covering traps moisture which steams the cabbage gently and keeps the dish wonderfully moist.
- Bake until tender:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cabbage will become tender, and the flavors will intensify into a harmonious whole.
- Rest before serving:
- Take the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle and the dish firm up slightly, making it easier to portion and serve. Enjoy this warming, satisfying meal!
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My favorite part is the cabbage transforming as it cooks, becoming sweet and tender. It adds such a lovely texture contrast to the savory beef and rice. I remember making this with my grandma and how the whole kitchen smelled like home and comfort.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to keep the cabbage from getting too mushy. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If you do not have Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or tamari adds a similar umami depth.
- Rice can be replaced with cooked quinoa or barley if you want a different grain texture or gluten-free option.
- In place of canned tomatoes, use fresh diced tomatoes if in season for a brighter, fresher taste.
Serving suggestions
- Serve this bake alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or yogurt on the side to add creaminess and balance the tomato acidity.
- A slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls pairs beautifully to soak up the juices.
Cultural background
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This dish is a modern take on traditional American comfort casseroles that combine available vegetables and ground beef in one easy to bake dish. It reflects a practical, no-fuss style of cooking common in family kitchens where hearty and wholesome meals bring everyone together around the table. The use of cabbage nods to Northern European influences where cabbage has long been a staple vegetable in home cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best way to brown the ground beef?
Use a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the beef without crowding the pan to allow even browning. Break it up gently and stir until no pink remains, then add the onion until translucent to build flavor.
- → Can I use other types of cabbage for this bake?
Yes, green cabbage works best for its tenderness and mild flavor, but savoy or napa cabbage can also be used for slightly different textures and tastes.
- → How do the spices contribute to the dish’s flavor?
Paprika adds subtle smokiness, garlic powder gives gentle pungency, and Worcestershire sauce brings savory depth, balancing the sweetness of the cabbage and acidity of the tomatoes.
- → Is it necessary to simmer the mixture before baking?
Simmering helps the flavors meld and reduces excess liquid, ensuring the final bake holds together well with a rich, unified taste.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Let it rest a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle. Serve warm, directly from the casserole dish, alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble the ingredients and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.