If you love the taste of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time for all the rolling and stuffing, this Cabbage Beef Bake is the answer. It’s the same delicious combination of tender cabbage, juicy beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce — but in a simple, one-pan casserole that’s weeknight friendly.

This dish has a special kind of old-fashioned charm. The cabbage softens as it bakes, soaking up all the savory juices from the seasoned beef and tangy tomato sauce. A creamy sour cream layer adds richness, and a blanket of melted cheese makes every bite irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, making a meal ahead of time, or bringing something warm to a potluck, this easy cabbage casserole recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every forkful.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience — Less cleanup, more time to enjoy.
• Budget-friendly — Simple ingredients with big flavor.
• Make-ahead friendly — Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Family-approved comfort food — Even picky eaters will dig in.

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 Small cabbage, shredded
• 1 ½ lbs Ground beef or turkey
• 1 Large onion, chopped
• ½ cup Red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) can Diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds (optional)
• 1 (8 oz) can Tomato sauce
• 1 cup Reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 cup Shredded Swiss cheese (or preferred cheese)

 

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Oven & Dish
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Cabbage
   Spread shredded cabbage evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Cook the Beef Mixture
   In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef (or turkey) with onion and red bell pepper. Drain excess grease. Stir in diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and optional caraway seeds.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Spoon beef mixture over the cabbage. In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce with sour cream and spread over the beef layer.
5. Bake & Finish
   Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
   Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

 

 

Variations to Try

• Low-Carb Swap — Use ground turkey and skip the sugar for a lighter version.
• Extra Veggies — Add carrots or zucchini for more texture.
• Cheese Upgrade — Try mozzarella for extra gooeyness or cheddar for a sharper bite.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Slice cabbage thinly so it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor.
• Use fresh cheese — Shredding your own helps it melt smoother.
• Don’t skip resting time — It allows the casserole to set for easier serving.

 

 

Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked cabbage casserole with:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• A crisp garden salad
• Roasted potatoes or rice for a heartier meal

 

 

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge — Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Reheat — Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freeze — Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

 

 

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Beef Bake is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly comforting. It’s an easy dinner recipe that fills the kitchen with savory aromas and the table with happy faces. One bite, and you might just forget about ever rolling another cabbage leaf again.