Searching for a hearty, keto-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare on a busy weeknight? This cheesy cabbage and ground beef bake is just what you need.
Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s a low-carb wonder that takes minimal effort. Perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
With its tender cabbage mixed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, this recipe strikes the right balance between savory and comforting. The addition of spices brings everything together, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking to meal prep, this keto dish has you covered.
A Quick and Flavorful Cabbage and Ground Beef Dish
This baked dish highlights the delightful combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh cabbage, and melted cheese, coming together to create a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
The ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor while the cabbage contributes a tender texture. With the right blend of spices and the addition of cheese, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and enjoyable keto-friendly meal for any night of the week.
Essential Ingredients for Your Bake
The key components of this dish include one pound of ground beef and a small head of cabbage. These two ingredients form the foundation of the meal, ensuring it is hearty and filling.
Additional flavors come from diced onion, minced garlic, and a mix of seasonings such as paprika and Italian herbs. The use of beef broth helps to enhance the overall taste, while the shredded cheese creates a delicious golden crust, making each bite a delightful experience.
The Cooking Process: Simple Steps to Flavor
To start, you’ll want to heat olive oil in a large skillet, allowing the ground beef to brown as you break it apart. This step infuses the dish with flavor right from the beginning.
Once the beef is nicely browned, adding the diced onion and garlic will elevate the aroma and taste, making your kitchen fill with a mouthwatering fragrance. Then, you’ll transfer everything to a baking dish to complete the cooking process.
Bringing it All Together
After sautéing the aromatics and beef, combine with the chopped cabbage along with the spices in a baking dish. This is where the dish begins to come alive, as the natural sweetness of the cabbage begins to intermingle with the savory notes of the beef and spices.
Pouring in a small amount of beef broth and topping with plenty of cheese before baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s perfect for keto enthusiasts.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishing
Once baked, serving this dish is easy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing.
This meal is versatile and can be paired with keto-friendly sides, like a simple green salad, to round out the dinner experience while keeping carbs low.
Cooking Time and Nutrition Details
This savory cabbage and ground beef bake takes about 45 minutes total, with just 15 minutes of active preparation, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
With approximately 450 calories per serving, it’s a balanced keto meal offering an excellent mix of proteins and fats with minimal carbohydrates. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also delivers essential nutrients while keeping you in ketosis.
A Quick and Flavorful Cabbage and Ground Beef Dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Liquid and Cheese: Pour in the beef broth, then top evenly with the shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your keto-friendly cabbage and ground beef bake hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 5g
Cabbage and Ground Beef Recipe Variations
Mongolian Beef and Cabbage
Transform this comforting cabbage and ground beef bake into a bold Mongolian-style dish. With rich umami flavors, a touch of sweetness, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce, this version brings an Asian-inspired twist to a simple and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Modifications
- Replace Italian seasoning and paprika with 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
- Swap olive oil for sesame oil to add a rich, nutty flavor.
- Use ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce for extra Mongolian-style depth.
- Reduce cheese to ½ cup or omit entirely for a more traditional flavor.
- Optional: Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute for a slight sweetness, common in Mongolian beef recipes.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Cabbage: Mix in the chopped cabbage, red pepper flakes (if using), and half of the prepared Mongolian sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture: Pour in the beef broth and the remaining sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften.
- Bake (Optional): Transfer everything to a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle with ½ cup of cheese (if using), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot, optionally paired with cauliflower rice for a low-carb Mongolian meal.
Flavorful and Keto-Friendly
This Mongolian Beef and Cabbage dish is packed with savory, slightly sweet flavors while staying keto-friendly. The sesame oil, soy sauce, and ginger create a rich, satisfying sauce that complements the tender cabbage and juicy beef. Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic meal!
Tex-Mex Taco Beef and Cabbage
Give your cabbage and ground beef bake a bold Tex-Mex makeover! Packed with taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a hint of spice, this version delivers all the flavors of a classic taco night while keeping it low-carb and satisfying.
Ingredient Modifications
- Replace Italian seasoning and paprika with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika).
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil to complement the Tex-Mex flavors.
- Use pepper jack or Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar for extra spice.
- Add 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained) for a kick of flavor.
- Optional: Stir in ½ cup drained black beans or ¼ cup diced jalapeños for extra Tex-Mex flair.
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Seasoning: Mix in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well to coat the beef in the flavorful sauce.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Simmer the Mixture: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 5 more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Bake: Transfer everything to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with Mexican blend cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.
Tex-Mex Flavor in a Keto-Friendly Dish
This Tex-Mex Taco Beef and Cabbage dish brings all the flavors of taco night into a hearty, low-carb meal. The combination of seasoned beef, spicy cheese, and tender cabbage makes this a must-try for any Tex-Mex lover. Enjoy a delicious, keto-friendly twist on classic tacos!
This recipe is part of my 79 Cheap Meals for Families. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
- Cheesy Cabbage and Ground Beef Bake Recipe (keto-friendly) - March 1, 2025
- Easy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe - March 1, 2025
- Savory Black Beans and Rice Recipe (Mexican and Cuban) - February 10, 2025