Cheesy Cabbage and Beef Casserole

This hearty and wholesome Cheesy Cabbage and Beef Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Follow this simple recipe for a deliciously satisfying meal!

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown rice work well)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup beef broth

Optional Substitutions :

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
• Use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor (e.g., mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan).

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and add the chopped onion and minced garlic .
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes .
3. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

1. Add the chopped cabbage directly to the skillet with the beef mixture.
2. Cook for about 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and shrink down.
   • Tip : Cabbage cooks down significantly, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first.

Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasoning

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), cooked rice , Italian seasoning , salt , and pepper . Stir well to combine.
2. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes , allowing the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften further.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the mixture from the skillet into the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the beef broth evenly over the top. This keeps the casserole moist and helps the flavors soak into the rice and cabbage.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

1. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
   • Pro Tip : Don’t be shy with the cheese—it creates a golden, gooey topping that everyone will love!

Step 7: Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes .
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes scooping easier.

Tips for Success

• Use pre-cooked rice : Save time by using leftover rice or microwaveable packets of pre-cooked rice.
• Adjust seasoning : Taste the mixture before assembling the casserole and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
• Add veggies : Boost nutrition by adding chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach along with the cabbage.
• Make it ahead : Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this casserole as a main dish alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Enjoy this Cheesy Cabbage and Beef Casserole —a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!