The Art of Ultimate Cabbage Beef Bake Casserole Perfection

Perfect Beef Browning Technique

Master the skill of properly browning ground beef for maximum flavor development.

Cabbage Preparation Excellence

Learn the technique of preparing cabbage for optimal texture and cooking results.

Layer Assembly Mastery

Perfect the method of building casserole layers for even cooking and presentation.

Sauce Integration Method

Master the art of creating and distributing creamy sauce throughout the casserole.

Cheese Topping Strategy

Learn optimal cheese application techniques for perfect golden, bubbly finish.

Comfort Food Casserole Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cabbage Beef Bake

Cabbage Prep: Chop cabbage uniformly for even cooking and better texture throughout casserole.

Beef Quality: Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and moisture balance in finished dish.

Layer Strategy: Press layers gently to eliminate air pockets and ensure even cooking.

Cheese Choice: Combine different cheeses for complex flavor and optimal melting properties.

Resting Time: Allow casserole to rest after baking so layers set properly for clean serving.

Make Ahead: Assemble casserole day ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Ultimate Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Casserole with Savory Layers

Name: Ultimate Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Casserole with Savory Layers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Beef Layer:; 2 pounds ground beef (80/20); 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; For the Cabbage Base:; 1 large head cabbage, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; For the Creamy Sauce:; 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; For the Cheese Topping:; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; For the Rice Addition:; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1/2 cup beef broth; For the Vegetable Mix:

The ultimate comfort food casserole featuring tender seasoned ground beef, layers of fresh cabbage, creamy sauce, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection. This hearty family-style dish combines the wholesome goodness of cabbage with savory ground beef, creating a satisfying one-dish meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table while providing complete nutrition and incredible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds and thirds.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

55 Minutes

Total Time

75 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Beef Layer:

2 pounds ground beef (80/20)

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cabbage Base:

1 large head cabbage, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Cheese Topping:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Rice Addition:

1 cup cooked white rice

1/2 cup beef broth

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 bell pepper, diced

2 carrots, diced

1 cup frozen corn

For the Seasoning Blend:

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Topping Enhancement:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Final Touches:

Green onions, sliced

Coarse black pepper

For Special Equipment:

Large skillet

9x13 baking dish

Large mixing bowl

Aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a large 9x13 inch baking dish.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef, breaking up with spoon, and brown thoroughly for 8-10 minutes.

Season beef mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while cooking.

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika until well combined.

Add diced bell pepper and carrots, cooking until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes.

Remove from heat and drain excess fat if necessary.

In large bowl, combine chopped cabbage with olive oil, salt, and paprika.

Toss cabbage mixture well to coat evenly with seasonings.

Layer half of seasoned cabbage in bottom of prepared baking dish.

Spread cooked rice evenly over the cabbage layer.

Top rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture, spreading evenly.

In mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.

Add garlic powder and remaining seasonings to create creamy sauce.

Pour creamy sauce evenly over the beef layer in casserole dish.

Top with remaining cabbage, pressing down gently to compact layers.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Remove foil and sprinkle with all three cheeses and breadcrumb mixture.

Return to oven uncovered and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set layers.

Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions before serving.

Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls for complete meal.

Refrigerate leftovers and reheat individual portions as needed for easy meals.

Ultimate Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Casserole with Savory Layers

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Cabbage Beef Bake Casserole Perfection

Ultimate Hearty Cabbage Beef Bake Casserole with Savory Layers

Ingredients

Instructions