Introduction
This Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this casserole is packed with wholesome ingredients and baked to perfection.
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
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef – Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned (about 5-7 minutes), draining excess fat if needed.
- Mix in the seasonings – Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
- Layer the casserole – Spread half of the chopped cabbage in a large baking dish. Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the cabbage, then top with the remaining cabbage.
- Bake covered – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add cheese & finish baking – Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & enjoy! Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Variation
- Low-Carb Option – Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it entirely to reduce the carbohydrate content while maintaining a satisfying texture. The cauliflower will absorb the flavors of the beef and tomatoes, making it just as hearty.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture to give the casserole a bold, spicy flavor. A little heat balances out the richness of the dish.
- Extra Veggies – Enhance the dish by adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrients and texture. Sauté them with the onion and garlic to blend their flavors seamlessly into the casserole.
Cooking Notes
- Make it Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a richer taste.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side of Crusty Bread – A warm slice of garlic bread or a buttered dinner roll pairs perfectly with the casserole, helping to soak up any delicious juices left on the plate.
- Fresh Salad for Balance – Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity helps cut through the richness of the casserole, making for a well-balanced meal.
- Topped with a Dollop of Sour Cream – A spoonful of sour cream on each serving adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy bake. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions can add color and freshness.
Tips
- Make Ahead for Convenience – This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to deepen, making it even tastier when baked the next day.
- Double the Batch for Freezing – Make an extra casserole and freeze it for a quick and easy future meal. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste – Depending on the salt content of your diced tomatoes and cheese, you may want to adjust the salt and seasoning levels. Taste the beef mixture before assembling the casserole and tweak accordingly.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. It has a slightly milder flavor than beef, so consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or extra seasonings to enhance the taste. -
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. -
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven. -
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a smoked gouda can add a delicious depth of flavor. If you love a crispy top, try using a combination of cheddar and parmesan.
Conclusion
This Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients for a flavorful, family-friendly meal. With its cheesy topping, tender cabbage, and savory beef filling, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep. Whether you customize it with extra veggies, swap the protein, or spice it up, this casserole is sure to be a delicious go-to recipe in your home!
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Cabbage & Ground Beef Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this casserole is packed with wholesome ingredients and baked to perfection.
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
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Brown the beef – Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned (about 5-7 minutes), draining excess fat if needed.
- Mix in the seasonings – Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined.
- Layer the casserole – Spread half of the chopped cabbage in a large baking dish. Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the cabbage, then top with the remaining cabbage.
- Bake covered – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add cheese & finish baking – Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & enjoy! Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make it Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a richer taste.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cabbage casserole, beef and cabbage bake, ground beef recipes, easy dinner ideas, cheesy casserole