Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe with you because it’s truly one of those comforting, all-in-one dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s got that perfect balance of tender cabbage, savory beef, gooey melted cheese, and just the right hint of tomato goodness. Whenever I make this bake, it turns into instant family favorite dinner talk — and I bet it will at your place too!
What makes this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe so special to me is how foolproof it is. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend gathering, this dish works like a charm. You get those layers of tender cabbage and rice soaking up all the flavors, plus that blissful cheesy topping that everyone fights over. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes I always have in my back pocket because it’s hearty, tasty, and makes wonderful leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe come together beautifully, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Most of them are pantry staples, so you likely have many on hand already. Just a quick tip: rinsing your rice well before cooking can really help keep the texture light and fluffy in the final dish.
- Ground beef: Using lean ground beef keeps it flavorful without too much fat, but you can swap for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter kick.
- White onion: Adds sweetness and depth—make sure to dice it finely so it melts into the bake smoothly.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic really gives the dish an irresistible aroma; don’t skip it!
- Green cabbage: I like using fresh, crisp cabbage chopped into chunks that soften perfectly during baking.
- Olive oil: Just a splash for sautéing the onions and garlic; it adds a subtle richness.
- Italian seasoning: This blend is my go-to for easy Italian flavor—it saves me from mixing a bunch of herbs separately.
- Paprika: Adds a tiny smoky warmth that balances the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, but I always recommend starting light and adjusting later to taste.
- Tomato sauce: The heart of the bake’s saucy base—look for a good-quality, no-sugar-added variety.
- Beef broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control salt levels and keep the flavors clean.
- Long-grain white rice: Rinsing it removes excess starch, which helps prevent a gummy texture in the bake.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly with a mild flavor, but cheddar or pepper jack are fun swaps if you want to mix things up.
Variations
I always encourage you to feel free putting your spin on this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe. Experimenting with different cheeses or meat options can totally change the vibe of the dish, and that’s part of what makes cooking so fun. Here are some ways I’ve tweaked it over the years to suit different moods or dietary needs.
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef: I tried this leaner version when I wanted something lighter, and it was just as tasty—perfect for calorie-conscious days.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some in with the seasonings. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
- Using cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese: Mixing in sharp cheddar adds a deeper cheesiness, while Pepper Jack brings a subtle spicy twist I adore.
- Adding chopped mushrooms or bell peppers: For extra veggies, stirring in diced mushrooms or peppers when you sauté the onions enhances flavor and texture.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe
Step 1: Browning the beef perfectly
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the lean ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, so it browns evenly without clumping. You’ll know it’s ready once it’s no longer pink, usually about 6-8 minutes. Then, be sure to drain off any excess fat—it helps keep the bake from getting greasy and keeps the flavors bright.
Step 2: Softening the onions and garlic
Return your pan to medium heat and add the olive oil, then toss in the diced onions. Cook gently for about 10 minutes until they are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Next, stir in the garlic along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring for about 30-60 seconds to really wake up those spices and let the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Cooking the cabbage and combining sauce
Once your onions and aromatics are brilliant and fragrant, add the chopped cabbage. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens just a bit—this helps the cabbage melt into the dish later. Then pour in your tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring everything to combine. Turn the heat up to high briefly until you see a gentle simmer—this step melds all those flavors nicely.
Step 4: Layering and baking your casserole
Transfer your tomato cabbage mixture to a sprayed 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the rinsed white rice over the mixture then evenly distribute the browned ground beef on top. Give it all a gentle mix to blend those layers without mashing the rice. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 45 minutes to cook the rice and let everything soak up those beautiful flavors.
Step 5: Cheese it up!
After your bake has had time in the oven, take it out and carefully remove the foil. Fluff the casserole gently with a fork to mix it up a little, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously across the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10-20 minutes until the cheese turns melty and bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked. That golden cheesy crust is what makes this dish so irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I also dollop a spoonful of sour cream right on top just before serving. That creamy tang is simply the perfect partner to the cheesy cabbage bake.
Side Dishes
Since the Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe is pretty hearty on its own, I usually serve it with light sides like a crisp green salad or garlic roasted green beans. A crusty baguette is also wonderful to scoop up any leftover tomato sauce from your plate—never waste that!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve tried layering this bake in clear glass casserole dishes so you can see the pretty layers of rice, beef, cabbage, and melted cheese. It really wows the guests! Another fun idea is to serve it individually in mini ramekins for a fancier vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When it comes to leftovers, I just let the bake cool completely and then store it tightly covered in the fridge. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully, making easy lunches or second dinners a breeze.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this bake a couple of times with great results. Just portion it out into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
I usually reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to avoid drying out, about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for a quicker option, though the oven method keeps it tasting freshest.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Just add an extra cup of vegetable broth and adjust seasoning as needed. The key is to maintain the savory, hearty vibe that makes this dish so satisfying.
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Is it okay to use other types of cabbage?
Yes! While green cabbage works best because it softens nicely without getting mushy, savoy cabbage can add a lovely texture and a bit more flavor complexity. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some cabbages cook faster than others.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep on busy days so much easier without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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What cheese works best in this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe?
Freshly shredded mozzarella is my favorite for its wonderful melt and mild flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack if you want more bite or spice. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese mixes containing anti-caking agents; fresh shredding melts better!
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How do I make sure the rice cooks evenly in the bake?
Rinsing the rice before adding it helps prevent it from getting sticky or mushy. Also, covering the casserole tightly with foil during the first bake traps steam so the rice cooks perfectly alongside the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe has become a cornerstone in my dinner rotation, especially when I want something cozy that’s easy to put together but still feels special. It’s one of those meals you can share with family or friends and get that satisfying “wow, this is so good” kind of response. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out — trust me, once you get this recipe right, it’s going to be your go-to comfort food for years to come!
Print
Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice baked in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, bubbling bake that is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, outer leaves discarded and chopped into 1½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 (32-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside for later use.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess grease, then transfer beef to a plate or bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Seasonings: Return skillet to medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring for 30-60 seconds to release aromas.
- Cook Cabbage and Combine with Sauce: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and beef broth, stir well. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour tomato and cabbage mixture into prepared baking dish. Add uncooked rinsed rice and browned ground beef. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover casserole tightly with foil and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the rice and meld flavors.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove foil, fluff casserole gently with a fork. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Return uncovered to oven and bake 10-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and rice fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Optionally add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner protein option.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt content.
- Rinse rice well before adding to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
- Leftovers refrigerate well up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack to vary flavor.
Keywords: Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake, Cabbage Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe
