German Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce
A hearty German-style casserole featuring tender cabbage leaves layered with savory ground beef in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce. This comforting dish combines the earthiness of cabbage with well-seasoned meat, making it perfect for family dinners or cold weather meals. The layered construction allows the flavors to meld beautifully during baking, while the cabbage becomes silky and absorbs the robust meat juices. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying one-dish meal that's both filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Bring water to boil in large pot and cook cabbage leaves for 5 minutes until tender, then drain
- 3
Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium heat until browned
- 4
Add onion and garlic to beef and cook until onion is translucent
- 5
Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes
- 6
Layer half the cabbage leaves in baking dish, then half the meat mixture, repeat layers
- 7
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes
- 8
Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes
- 9
Let cool for few minutes before serving
Tips
Cut cabbage core before boiling to make leaves easier to separate and layer evenly in the dish.
Let the meat mixture cool slightly before layering to prevent the bottom cabbage from becoming too soggy.
Add a layer of cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for extra richness and flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat in 300°F oven until heated through.
Can assemble up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed adding 10-15 minutes.
Serve hot directly from baking dish with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining cabbage to avoid watery casserole.
Don't overbrown beef to avoid dry, tough texture in final dish.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of whole leaves?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Use about 6 cups shredded cabbage and reduce boiling time to 2-3 minutes. The casserole will be less structured but still flavorful.
What if I don't have beef broth on hand?
Substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a beef bouillon cube. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in microwave or entire dish in low oven until heated through.