Savory Cabbage Bake

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Savory Cabbage Bake is a cozy, hearty dish that combines tender cabbage with a robust, flavorful beef and tomato sauce. It's a perfect one-pan meal that delivers comfort and satisfaction, especially during those chilly months.

Ingredients for Savory Cabbage Bake

Cabbage is the star here, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory beef. Ground beef adds richness and protein, making this a filling dish. Onion and garlic build the base flavors, while tomato sauce brings acidity and a touch of sweetness. Cheddar cheese offers a sharp, creamy finish on top. A touch of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, making each bite melt in your mouth. For seasoning, the thyme and paprika add an earthy, warm spice, while salt and black pepper are essential for highlighting the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow as the cabbage releases liquid during cooking.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
  • For a lower-carb version, you can replace half the cabbage with cauliflower florets.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty bread or garlic toast on the side can also help scoop up any extra sauce. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner version, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Savory Cabbage Bake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when your dish is assembled. Next, tackle the cabbage. Remove the outer leaves and slice it into wedges, discarding the core. This structure helps the cabbage cook evenly and soak up all those delicious juices.

Move on to the skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat and toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and translucent, bringing out their natural sweetness. Then, introduce the ground beef. Cook it until browned, making sure to break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.

With the beef ready, stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This short simmer allows the flavors to mingle and develop into a robust sauce.

Now, grab a large baking dish. Lay down half the cabbage wedges, creating a base layer. Pour half of your beef and tomato mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution.

For the finishing touch, spread the sour cream over the top and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step lets everything cook and meld together. Finally, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A one-dish wonder that’s easy to assemble and clean up.
  • Rich, layered flavors develop from simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day.
  • Combines vegetables and protein for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into wedges, discarding the core.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cabbage wedges.
7. Pour half of the beef and tomato mixture over the cabbage, then repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture.
8. Spread sour cream over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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