1-First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your veggies. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cabbage to make assembly easier. This initial step takes about 15 minutes and helps everything cook evenly later.

2-Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef browns and the veggies soften, roughly 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat here to keep the dish light and flavorful.

3-Then, stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper, letting it simmer for a few minutes to blend the tastes. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish and layer with the chopped cabbage. Top it off with shredded cheese and pop it in the oven.

4-Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until everything is bubbly. Let it rest for a bit before serving to allow flavors to settle. This savory cabbage beef bake not only saves time but also offers flexibility for add-ins like extra spices.