Cabbage Beef Bake
A hearty dish of layered shredded cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted Swiss cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small small cabbage, shredded its crispness offers a fantastic base soaked in flavors.
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or lean ground turkey) packed with protein and rich in savory taste.
- 1 large onion, chopped adding a sweet and aromatic kick.
- 0.5 cup chopped red bell pepper for a pop of color and sweetness.
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained their juiciness brings moisture and acidity.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt enhances all the flavors.
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper adds a subtle warmth.
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds provides a unique, earthy flavor.
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce adds creaminess to the mix.
- 1 cup reduced-fat sour cream for a tangy richness.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully to create a delightful topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a deep 13 x 9 baking dish.
- Place the shredded cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation.
Cooking
- In a skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, adding the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Return the mixture to the skillet and add the undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and caraway seeds. Stir until well-combined.
- Spread the meat mixture over the cabbage in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, blend the tomato sauce and sour cream until smooth, then spread this mixture over the beef layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, add minced garlic to the beef mixture. For a spicier kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Mix in cooked rice or quinoa for extra texture. Ensure beef is well-drained to prevent a watery result.