Indulge in the delicious flavors of Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake, a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the classic comfort of cabbage rolls with the convenience of a pasta bake. This hearty casserole is a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its melty cheese topping, savory ground beef, and tender cabbage, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake
To create this mouthwatering Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed dish. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Olive oil: This versatile oil helps to sauté the ground beef and vegetables, providing a delicious base for the dish.
- Ground beef: Choose a lean ground beef for the best texture and flavor in your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and complexity to the overall dish, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Cabbage: Fresh, chopped green cabbage is the star of this recipe, providing a tender texture and nutritional benefits.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These canned tomato products lend a rich, tomatoey flavor to the casserole.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, enhances the Italian-inspired flavors of the dish.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni or penne pasta are perfect choices for this Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: A combination of these two cheeses creates a delightfully melty and gooey topping.
Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake 30 Minutes Easy Delicious
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of “Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake,” a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the classic comfort of cabbage rolls with the convenience of a pasta bake.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: This versatile oil helps to sauté the ground beef and vegetables, providing a delicious base for the dish.
- Ground beef: Choose a lean ground beef for the best texture and flavor in your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and complexity to the overall dish, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Cabbage: Fresh, chopped green cabbage is the star of this recipe, providing a tender texture and nutritional benefits.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These canned tomato products lend a rich, tomatoey flavor to the casserole.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, enhances the Italian-inspired flavors of the dish.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni or penne pasta are perfect choices for this Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake.
- Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: A combination of these two cheeses creates a delightfully melty and gooey topping.
Instructions
- 1. Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2. Add the sauce and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 3. Combine with pasta and cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- 4. Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the dish to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Notes
Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a meatless version.
Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles in place of traditional pasta.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mixture for a little extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 70
Equipment Needed for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake
To prepare this Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools and equipment:
- Skillet: A large, deep skillet or sauté pan is essential for cooking the ground beef and vegetables.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish is the perfect size for assembling and baking the pasta bake.
- Cooking utensils: You’ll need a spatula, wooden spoon, and other basic kitchen tools to efficiently prepare the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake
Follow these easy steps to create the delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake:
- Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sauce and seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine with pasta and cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the beef and vegetable mixture. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the dish to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Once the Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the dish to be easily portioned.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a meatless version.
- Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles in place of traditional pasta.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mixture for a little extra heat.
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake
Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake is a hearty and satisfying dish that also provides some nutritional benefits. Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
The ground beef and cabbage in this dish provide a good source of protein, while the tomatoes and cabbage contribute valuable vitamins and minerals. To make the dish even healthier, you can reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for low-fat cheese varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake
FAQ 1: What ingredients do I need for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake?
To make Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients: ground beef, cabbage (chopped), pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini), marinara sauce or tomato sauce, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, onion (chopped), garlic (minced), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
FAQ 2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the covering and heat it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
FAQ 3: How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers of Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQ 4: Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with other proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.
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Dive into the comforting and delicious world of Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Pasta Bake and savor the flavors of this family-friendly casserole. With its melty cheese topping, savory ground beef, and tender cabbage, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoyed it!
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