Savory Cabbage Beef Bake

Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a delicious, hearty casserole that combines the richness of seasoned ground beef with tender cabbage, all baked together in a savory dish. This is a great low-carb, comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Here’s a simple recipe for Savory Cabbage Beef Bake:

Savory Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for a bit of sauce)

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.

   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens.

3. Prepare the Cabbage:

   • While the beef is cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in another large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is softened and begins to wilt.

   • Season the cabbage with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the oregano, thyme, and paprika. Stir to combine.

4. Combine Beef and Cabbage:

   • Add the cooked beef mixture to the cabbage in the skillet. Stir to combine.

   • Add the diced tomatoes (if using), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining oregano, thyme, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Assemble the Bake:

   • Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish.

   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole:

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

7. Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the beef and cabbage mixture.

• You can also top the casserole with breadcrumbs or a Parmesan crust before baking if you want some extra crunch.

• Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for more flavor and texture.

This Savory Cabbage Beef Bake is a filling and flavorful dish that’s great for a cozy dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for anyone who loves hearty comfort food! Enjoy!