Description
A hearty and comforting Cabbage Beef Bake featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This dish offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off 12 large leaves, trying not to tear them. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened, then drain them and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling lean.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika to the browned beef mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay the blanched cabbage leaves out flat. Place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto each leaf, then roll tightly while tucking in the sides to encase the filling. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. If you like, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown (if using cheese).
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cabbage beef bake from the oven and let it cool a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Using fresh tomatoes will add a brighter flavor, but canned work perfectly fine.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure the tomato sauce and spices do not contain gluten additives.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes.
- The cheese topping is optional; omit it to reduce calories or for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 cabbage roll with sauce and cheese)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: cabbage beef bake, stuffed cabbage, ground beef recipe, baked cabbage rolls, comfort food, easy dinner
