Quick & Easy Cabbage & Beef Burger Bake Recipe
Looking for a satisfying and simple weeknight meal? This quick and easy cabbage burger bake recipe is your answer! Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese combine in a casserole that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this bake requires minimal prep and utilizes readily available ingredients, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a hearty, flavorful dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Burger Bake
This cabbage and beef bake is a winner for so many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, slightly sweet cabbage, and melted cheddar is irresistible.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- One-Dish Meal: A complete and satisfying meal in one convenient casserole.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and vegetables.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use lean ground beef to minimize grease. Ground turkey is an excellent, leaner substitute if you prefer.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for savory depth.
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded: The star of the show! Green cabbage works best.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture and acidity.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of spice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a cheesy, melty topping. Monterey Jack or a Colby Jack blend would also work well. You might also enjoy Boursin Mac and Cheese for another cheesy delight!
How to Make Cabbage Burger Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the cabbage and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. You can achieve a similar baked-cheese effect in these cheesy oven-baked tacos from Cook Reel!
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it slightly softened but still with a bit of bite.
- Drain the beef well: Removing excess grease will prevent a greasy casserole.
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor.
- Customize to your liking: Add your favorite vegetables or spices to personalize the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This cabbage and beef bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for extra melty goodness.
FAQ
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time.
Can I freeze this cabbage burger bake?
While technically you *can* freeze it, the texture of the cabbage may change upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be great additions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the cheese just before baking.
This hearty and comforting cabbage burger bake recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Its simplicity and delicious flavor will have you coming back for more. Enjoy!
Quick & Easy Cabbage & Beef Burger Bake
This comforting cabbage and ground beef burger bake is a weeknight dinner winner! Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a casserole that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Forget fussy recipes – this bake requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the delicious combination of textures and tastes in every bite! This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in just 35 minutes. A satisfying and complete meal in one dish, it’s a fantastic way to get your veggies in!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the cabbage and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg