Dinner

Cabbage Beef Bake Recipe

BySarah Summers November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Introduction

Cabbage Beef Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage and rich tomato flavors. It’s an easy, one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The creamy tomato and sour cream topping with melted Swiss cheese adds a delicious twist to this classic casserole.

A blue baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a mix of browned ground meat and diced vegetables in a reddish-brown sauce, topped with a thick layer of melted bright yellow shredded cheese that covers the whole dish unevenly. The dish is placed on a beige cloth with a blurred silver spoon and white plate in the background on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small cabbage, shredded
1½ lbs ground beef (or turkey)
1 large onion, chopped
½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp sugar
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or preferred cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Spread the shredded cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and caraway seeds (if using) into the beef mixture. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the cabbage layer in the baking dish.
Step 6: In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and sour cream, then spread this mixture over the beef layer.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
Step 8: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat sour cream.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the beef mixture for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
If you don’t have caraway seeds, fennel seeds make a good alternative.
Mix in some cooked rice or quinoa with the beef to stretch the dish and add texture.
Use your favorite cheese such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a layered baked dish in a rectangular blue baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer appears to be a mix of browned ground meat and small diced vegetables in rich brown and red tones, topped with a generous layer of melted bright yellow cheddar cheese spreading evenly over the top. The texture contrasts between the chunky, slightly crumbly meat layer and the smooth, gooey cheese layer above it. A white cloth is casually placed beside the baking dish, adding a soft touch to the composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a little extra baking time if still cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with Cabbage Beef Bake?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Crusty bread also complements the creamy tomato sauce nicely.