Oven-Baked 6-Ingredient Beef & Cabbage Casserole

Description

: Often called “Unstuffed Cabbage,” this casserole layers tender, savory cabbage with seasoned ground beef and a tangy tomato base. It’s a healthy, one-pan meal that simplifies a classic Eastern European favorite for busy weeknights.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6 people

The 6 Ingredients

Beef: 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (85% lean is best).
Cabbage: 1 medium head of Green Cabbage (chopped into 1-inch pieces).
Sauce: 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite Marinara or Tomato Sauce.
Aromatics: 1 large Onion (diced).
Cheese: 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar.
Seasoning: 1 tbsp Garlic Salt (includes both salt and garlic flavor).

(Note: Water and oil are considered pantry staples and not part of the 6 core ingredients).

Instructions

Preheat: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Brown: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion together until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the Garlic Salt.
Assemble Layers: * Place half of the chopped cabbage at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread the beef and onion mixture over the cabbage.
- Pour half of the tomato sauce over the beef.
- Add the remaining cabbage, followed by the rest of the sauce.
Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
Melt: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Notes & Pro-Tips

Cabbage Texture: If you prefer very soft cabbage, sauté the cabbage in a bit of butter for 5 minutes before layering it in the dish.
The Sauce Matters: Since this is a 6-ingredient recipe, the flavor of your tomato sauce does the heavy lifting. Pick a high-quality marinara with herbs.
Drain Well: Cabbage releases a lot of water as it cooks. If your casserole looks too “soupy,” simply spoon out some of the liquid before adding the cheese.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Metric	Amount
Calories	340 kcal
Protein	26g
Net Carbs	9g
Total Fat	21g
Fiber	4g

Benefits

Keto/Low-Carb Friendly: By skipping the rice usually found in cabbage rolls, this becomes a high-protein, low-carb powerhouse.
Digestive Health: Cabbage is packed with fiber and Vitamin K, supporting gut health and bone density.
One-Pan Cleanup: If you use an oven-safe skillet to brown the beef, you can layer everything right in that pan and save on dishes.

Q&A

Q: Can I use Red Cabbage instead?

A: Yes, but be aware that red cabbage takes slightly longer to soften and will turn the entire dish a deep purple color!

Q: Is it okay to add rice?

A: While it would technically make it 7 ingredients, adding 1 cup of cooked white rice to the beef mixture is a great way to stretch the meal for a larger family.

Q: Can I make this in a Slow Cooker?

A: Definitely. Layer it the same way and cook on Low for 6 hours. Add the cheese during the last 15 minutes.

Are you looking to keep this strictly low-carb, or would you like a recommendation for a side dish to pair with it?