Name: SAVORY CABBAGE BEEF BAKE WITH GARLIC YOGURT SAUCE
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups); 1 cup cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional but recommended); ¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa (for garnish); Fresh chopped parsley or green onion (optional, for garnish); ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)

Description

A nostalgic, hearty cabbage beef casserole layered with rice and tomato, topped with creamy garlic yogurt—pure comfort with a healthy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef & Cabbage Base

1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
¼ cup tomato sauce or salsa (for garnish)
Fresh chopped parsley or green onion (optional, for garnish)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent (about 4–5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Season with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Add the Cabbage

Stir chopped cabbage into the skillet with the beef mixture. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften. You want it tender but still with a bit of bite—it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Layer in a Casserole Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the cooked rice evenly on the bottom. Spoon the beef and cabbage mixture over the rice. Pour crushed tomatoes evenly on top and spread gently with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if using. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

While the bake is in the oven, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir well and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Serve generous scoops drizzled with garlic yogurt sauce and a spoonful of tomato salsa if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 410
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 65mg