Some nights demand nothing more than comfort on a plate—and minimal effort in the kitchen. That’s where this no-fuss beef and cabbage bake comes to the rescue. It’s the kind of meal that asks very little from you, yet delivers big on satisfaction. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll whip up tender beef patties mixed with finely shredded cabbage, seasoned to perfection, and baked until juicy and golden. But the real magic happens when each patty gets crowned with a creamy cheddar-mayo topping that melts beautifully in the oven, turning these humble ingredients into something truly crave-worthy.
And what’s comfort food without a generous side of mashed potatoes? These buttery spuds are simmered until soft and mashed with milk and butter for a creamy, dreamy finish that complements the savory patties perfectly. The textures and flavors are cozy, familiar, and so easy to love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself after a long day or feeding a hungry family, this dish checks all the right boxes—it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and wonderfully comforting. Plus, leftovers heat up like a dream, making it a meal you’ll look forward to twice. When laziness strikes, this recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for ease.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) minced beef
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1 small onion, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ lb (250g) cabbage, grated or finely shredded
- ½ tsp beef tallow, butter, or olive oil (for greasing)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 6 oz (170g) grated Cheddar or Gruyère cheese
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lb (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step: How to Make Beef & Cabbage Bake with Creamy Mash
1. Mix & Shape the Patties
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, egg, grated cabbage, and (if using) grated onion. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands, a spoon, or spatula to mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
Grease a baking tray lightly with beef tallow, butter, or olive oil. Shape the mixture into balls roughly the size of tennis balls, then gently flatten them into patties. Place each one onto the tray, leaving space between them.
2. Bake & Add the Cheesy Topping
Cover the tray with foil or a baking lid and bake the patties in a preheated oven at 360°F (180°C) for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the mayonnaise and grated cheese to create the gooey topping.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and spoon the cheese mixture on top of each patty. Return them to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
3. Make the Buttery Mashed Potatoes
While the patties bake, prepare the perfect mash. Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot, add a tablespoon of salt, and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 17 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain well and return the potatoes to the pot. Add the butter, a pinch of salt, and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk for your preferred texture.
4. Time to Plate and Devour
Serve the cheesy beef and cabbage patties hot alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. The savory juices from the patties pair perfectly with the creamy mash, while the cheesy topping adds an extra dose of indulgence. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly addictive.
Store Leftovers Like a Pro
This dish stores and reheats beautifully:
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or microwave on medium until heated through.
- Freeze: The uncooked patties freeze well—just defrost overnight before baking.
This recipe proves that lazy doesn’t mean flavorless or forgettable. With minimal prep and major payoff, these beef-and-cabbage patties are destined to become your weeknight hero. Each bite offers tender, juicy beef, sweet pops of cabbage, and a decadent blanket of melted cheddar-mayo that feels far more indulgent than the effort involved. Pair that with buttery, cloud-soft mashed potatoes and you’ve got a plate that feels like a hug in dinner form.
So the next time you feel tempted to tap a delivery app, take a tiny detour to the fridge instead—you’ll have this in the oven before the driver would even pick up your order. Cleanup is mercifully light, leftovers reheat like a dream, and the recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap in turkey, add chili flakes, or mound the patties onto toasted buns for an impromptu burger night. However you spin it, you’ll thank yourself later for choosing homemade comfort over another forgettable takeout box. Keep this gem in your back pocket, and lean on it whenever life feels hectic, your energy is low, or you simply crave something cozy, delicious, and reassuringly simple. Bookmark it now and future-you will never dread dinnertime again. Trust me, satisfaction is guaranteed.
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