Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best! 🥬🍖
This Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-dish wonder – Easy prep, minimal cleanup!
✅ Nutritious & filling – Packed with protein and veggies.
✅ Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✅ Customizable – Add rice, cheese, or spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/sausage for variation)
- 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped 🥬 (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb) 🍚
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper (to taste)
For Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef & Onions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion until meat is cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Layer the Casserole
- Layer 1: Spread half the chopped cabbage in the baking dish.
- Layer 2: Spoon half the beef mixture over the cabbage.
- Repeat layers with remaining cabbage and beef.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese (if using), and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
🔹 Softer cabbage? Sauté it for 5 minutes before layering.
🔹 Extra flavor? Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
🔹 Make ahead? Assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.
🔹 No rice? Skip it or swap for quinoa or mashed potatoes.
Delicious Variations
🧀 Cheesy Lovers – Mix mozzarella or Parmesan into the layers.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef.
🥓 Meat Lovers – Use bacon or sausage with the beef.
🥦 Veggie-Packed – Stir in bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Serve with a fresh green salad for balance.
How to Store & Reheat
- Fridge: Keep covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months (thaw before reheating).
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole is comfort food at its finest—warm, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners, it’s a dish everyone will love!
Make it tonight and enjoy the deliciousness! 😋🍽️
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! 👇💬
