Description: This hearty and comforting Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a one-dish meal packed with savory flavors and satisfying textures. Ground beef, tender cabbage, aromatic onions, and garlic are simmered with diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then layered with fluffy rice and topped with a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (approximately 6-8 cups)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor, can use leaner if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice (long-grain, brown rice, or your favorite type)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium cheddar)
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended, can substitute chicken broth in a pinch)
Preparation:
The key to a great casserole is proper preparation. Following these steps will ensure a delicious and evenly cooked dish.
Step 1: Preheating and Initial Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, as a preheated oven ensures even cooking throughout the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier.
Step 2: Browning the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the ground beef. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the ground beef is browned and the onions are translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the beef from sticking and to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important, as excess fat can make the casserole greasy.
Step 3: Cooking the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the cooked ground beef mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Cooking the cabbage slightly at this stage helps to reduce its volume and ensures that it integrates well with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Simmering the Sauce
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a cohesive sauce for the casserole. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assembling the Casserole
Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the beef broth over the top of the mixture. This adds moisture and helps to steam the cabbage, ensuring that it is tender and delicious.
Step 6: Adding the Cheese and Baking
Spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents the cheese from browning too quickly and allows the casserole to steam and cook evenly.
Step 7: Baking to Perfection
Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. Then, carefully remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown. The casserole is ready when it is heated through and the cheese is nicely browned.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Taste: Savory, Comforting
- Family-Friendliness: High
Why you will love this recipe:
This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tangy diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Beyond the taste, this casserole is also remarkably convenient. It’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup! It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked rice or any vegetables you have on hand. The recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Furthermore, this casserole is surprisingly healthy. Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Ground beef provides protein and essential nutrients. While cheddar cheese adds some fat, it also contributes calcium and flavor.
This recipe is also relatively budget-friendly. Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, and ground beef is often on sale. The other ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for added color and flavor.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Cabbage Preparation: To make chopping the cabbage easier, remove the outer leaves and cut the cabbage into quarters. Then, slice each quarter thinly.
- Beef Choice: Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, drain the excess fat thoroughly after browning.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold casserole.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Sodium: 400 mg (can vary depending on ingredients used)
Conclusion:
The Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful ingredients, customizable options, and simple preparation, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground beef with other types of meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives. You could also use Italian sausage (removed from its casing) for a spicier flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of meat you choose.
Q2: I don’t have cooked rice on hand. Can I use uncooked rice?
A: While you can technically use uncooked rice, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Uncooked rice will require significantly more liquid and a longer cooking time, which could result in a casserole that is either undercooked or overcooked in other areas. It’s best to use pre-cooked rice. If you don’t have any cooked rice readily available, you can quickly cook a batch while you’re prepping the other ingredients.
Q3: I’m not a fan of cabbage. Is there another vegetable I can use?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a cabbage enthusiast, you can substitute it with other vegetables like shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, or even broccoli florets. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the vegetable you choose. You might need to adjust the simmering time to ensure the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Q4: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed beans (such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans) for added protein. You could also add extra vegetables like chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture. Consider using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q5: How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored, this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
