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Cabbage Beef Bake

Hearty layered casserole with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 large head green cabbage cored and leaves separated
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large pot for blanching
  • Large skillet
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and blanch cabbage leaves for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
  4. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef, cooking until onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  5. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Layer half of the cabbage leaves in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
  7. Spread half of the meat mixture over the cabbage layer, pressing down gently.
  8. Repeat layering with remaining cabbage and meat mixture, ending with cabbage on top.
  9. Pour beef broth around the edges of the casserole and add bay leaves between layers.
  10. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 75 minutes.
  11. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for additional 15 minutes.
  12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set properly.

Notes

Casserole improves in flavor after resting overnight. Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.