Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
This hearty cabbage and ground beef casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that brings together tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This classic casserole feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the beef, cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, rice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9 by 13 inch casserole dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Practical Tips
Make it ahead: You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it the next day, adding about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Customize your cheese: While cheddar works wonderfully, feel free to use a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Rice substitution: If you don’t have cooked rice on hand, you can use cauliflower rice or skip it entirely for a lower-carb version.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Questions and Answers
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. It will work perfectly in this recipe with the same cooking times and techniques.
What if I don’t have beef broth? You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth, or even use water mixed with a beef bouillon cube for similar results.
Is this casserole gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and other ingredients don’t contain gluten. Always check your product labels to be certain.