Hearty, wholesome, and budget-friendly, Cabbage Beef Bake is a comfort food classic that deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation. This one-dish meal is a wonderful combination of seasoned ground beef, tender shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and rice—all baked together for a filling and satisfying dish. It’s a fuss-free way to get a home-cooked meal on the table that the entire family will love.

This recipe is especially ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a casserole that’s flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it bakes, pairing perfectly with the savory beef and aromatic spices. The addition of cooked rice adds heartiness and stretches the dish to feed a crowd. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal, a freezer-friendly dinner option, or a new way to enjoy cabbage, this beef bake hits all the right notes. Best of all, it’s easy to customize and can be made ahead for even more convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Budget-Friendly

Made with simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients, this recipe is perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

2. One-Dish Wonder

Everything cooks together in one baking dish, saving you time on cleanup and prep.

3. Hearty and Filling

With meat, veggies, and rice all in one dish, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week—it’s even better the next day.

5. Easy to Customize

Swap in your favorite spices or mix-ins to make it your own.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Onion
Cabbage
Diced tomatoes
Cooked rice
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Paprika

Variations

Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top before baking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Try Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, swap the cooked rice with cauliflower rice.
Include More Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef and onion with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes for a lightly crisped top if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use pre-shredded cabbage to save time.
Drain the canned tomatoes slightly if you prefer a less saucy bake.
Don’t overcook the rice before baking—it will continue to soften in the oven.
Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier serving.

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the oven, with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze Cabbage Beef Bake before baking?

Absolutely—assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen with additional time.

3. What type of rice should I use?

Any cooked rice works—white, brown, jasmine, or even wild rice.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the Worcestershire sauce and diced tomatoes you use are gluten-free.

5. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage?

Yes, it’s a great shortcut and works just as well.

6. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The cabbage should be tender, and the dish should be hot and bubbling around the edges.

7. Can I add cheese inside the bake?

Yes—mix in shredded cheese for extra richness.

8. How spicy is this dish?

It’s not spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce to heat it up.

9. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce, tamari, or a splash of balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch.

10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. You may want to add a bit of tomato paste for richness.

Conclusion

Cabbage Beef Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With affordable ingredients and a simple preparation process, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, make-ahead meals, or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s highly versatile—whether you’re adjusting it for dietary needs or just cleaning out the fridge, this recipe adapts easily. Warm, filling, and deeply satisfying, this dish proves that humble ingredients can create something truly delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite.