Cabbage Beef Bake
There’s something magical about the aroma of cabbage rolls simmering in a tomato sauce on a chilly evening.
Yet, for many, the idea of rolling, stuffing, and carefully simmering each leaf feels overwhelming. That’s why
the Cabbage Beef Bake exists — it delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls
without the fuss of labor-intensive preparation.
This casserole combines tender cabbage, seasoned beef or turkey, and a creamy tomato–sour cream sauce baked under
a layer of golden, melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend meals, this
one-pan wonder is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
🥘 Why This Cabbage Beef Bake Stands Out
- One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup — no rolling or steaming individual leaves.
- Flavor-packed layers: Tender cabbage, savory meat, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults, even picky eaters.
- Customizable: Swap beef for turkey, add mushrooms, or adjust seasonings.
- Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
🌍 A Dish Inspired by Tradition
Cabbage rolls have been cherished for centuries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. They are believed to
have originated in Eastern Europe, where cabbage leaves wrapped meat and rice mixtures for preservation and
flavor. Each region has its own twist:
- Polish Gołąbki: Pork and rice with tomato sauce.
- Hungarian Töltött Káposzta: Often includes sauerkraut and smoked meats.
- Middle Eastern Malfouf: Lamb and rice with fragrant spices.
Our Cabbage Beef Bake captures the essence of these traditional dishes — while simplifying preparation for modern cooks.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella for milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
👩🍳 How to Make Cabbage Beef Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Sauté the beef: Heat oil in a skillet, add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant. Add ground
beef or turkey and cook until browned. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Add tomatoes & sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Blanch or soften the cabbage: Either steam briefly or sauté until slightly tender.
- Layer the casserole: Spread cabbage in the dish, top with meat mixture. Whisk sour cream into
the sauce and pour evenly over the top. - Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese across the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let sit 5 minutes before slicing.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Lower-carb: Skip rice or grains entirely.
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or cayenne.
- Mushroom boost: Add sautéed mushrooms for umami.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt and plant-based cheese.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.