Savory Cabbage Beef Bake with Garlic Yogurt Sauce — a hearty, comforting dish with layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich garlic yogurt sauce that brings it all together beautifully.
🥘 Savory Cabbage Beef Bake with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Beef Bake:
-
1 medium green cabbage (about 2–3 lbs), core removed, chopped or shredded
-
1.5 lb ground beef (or ground lamb/pork if preferred)
-
1 large onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
½ tsp ground black pepper
-
1½ tsp salt (to taste)
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
½ cup beef or vegetable broth
Optional:
-
½ cup cooked rice or bulgur (for a more filling version)
-
1/4 tsp chili flakes (for heat)
For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
-
1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
-
1–2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
Salt to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling:
-
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5–6 minutes).
-
Stir in garlic, then add ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled.
-
Mix in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
-
Add in cooked rice or bulgur if using, and mix well.
-
Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cabbage:
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cabbage and blanch for 3–5 minutes until just tender.
-
Drain and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Bake:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a lightly greased baking dish (9×13″), layer half of the cabbage on the bottom.
-
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage.
-
Top with remaining cabbage.
-
Pour broth over the whole dish for added moisture.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10 more minutes to slightly brown the top.
4. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
-
In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning.
-
Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
🍽️ To Serve:
Spoon generous portions of the cabbage beef bake onto plates and top with a dollop (or more!) of the garlic yogurt sauce. Add fresh parsley or dill for garnish if desired.
✅ Tips:
-
This dish is great for meal prep — it stores and reheats well.
-
Use red cabbage for a slightly different flavor and a pop of color.
-
Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top before the final bake if you like it cheesy.