Hearty Cabbage and Beef Casserole Recipe That Warms the Soul

Hearty cabbage and beef casserole beckons with its comforting warmth and rich, satisfying flavors.

Layers of tender ingredients meld together in a harmonious dance of rustic goodness.

Nutritious greens blend seamlessly with savory protein, creating a wholesome meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Homemade comfort emerges from a single dish, promising deep satisfaction with every forkful.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients revamp into something extraordinary and deeply delicious.

Skilled home cooks understand the art of crafting meals that feel like a warm embrace.

This recipe offers pure, uncomplicated deliciousness that will make you eager to head straight to the kitchen.

Why You’ll Enjoy Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• This casserole combines hearty beef, tender cabbage, and fluffy rice in one easy dish, eliminating multiple cooking steps and dirty pots.
• Rich ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
• Affordable ingredients like cabbage and ground beef make this recipe wallet-friendly while feeding a hungry family with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Streamlined preparation and baking process means less cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks who want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients in Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and protein for the casserole. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic seasoning to the beef mixture. Fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural taste.

• Cabbage: Provides a tender, slightly sweet foundation for the casserole. Green cabbage works best for its sturdy texture.
• Onion: Adds sweet and savory undertones to the beef mixture. Yellow or white onions are ideal for this recipe.

• Cooked Rice: Creates a substantial layer that helps bind the casserole together. White or brown rice can be used.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the dish. Undrained canned tomatoes keep the casserole juicy.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional moisture and deepens the overall flavor profile. Low-sodium broth is a good option for controlling salt intake.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creates a golden, melty finish to the casserole. Sharp cheddar offers more intense flavor.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the casserole during initial baking to retain moisture.

Instructions for Cabbage and Beef Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef and Aromatics

Warm up a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef turns a rich brown color and the onions become translucent.

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Create the First Casserole Layer

Spread a generous layer of chopped cabbage across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will create a tender vegetable base for your casserole.

• Chopped cabbage
• Browned beef mixture
• Cooked rice
• Undrained diced tomatoes

Step 3: Build the Flavor Layers

Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the cabbage. Sprinkle the cooked rice as the next layer, then pour the diced tomatoes across the rice, allowing the juices to seep through.

Step 4: Complete the Casserole Assembly

Top the casserole with the remaining chopped cabbage. Gently pour beef broth over the entire dish, ensuring even moisture throughout.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment for the ingredients to meld together. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finale

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting, home-style meal!

Pro Tips for Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove as much fat as possible when browning ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Layer with Precision: Create even layers of cabbage, beef, rice, and tomatoes to guarantee consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
• Check Cabbage Doneness: Verify cabbage is tender but not mushy by piercing with a fork during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch closely during the final cheese-melting stage to achieve a golden, bubbly top without burning the cheese.
• Resting Time Matters: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier and neater.

How to Store and Reheat Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.

What to Serve with Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold cabernet sauvignon or merlot complements the rich beef and hearty casserole flavors, cutting through the dish's robust meaty profile with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Tangy Slaw: Create a crisp, cold coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to contrast the warm casserole's temperature and add a refreshing crunch that balances the dish's density.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the savory tomato and beef broth, providing extra texture and a perfect vehicle for capturing every delicious casserole bite.
• Cool Down with Light Beer: Choose a pilsner or wheat beer to cleanse the palate between bites, its effervescence and mild flavor working nicely against the casserole's deep, warming characteristics.

Recipe Twists for Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Casserole: Replace ground beef with seasoned chorizo sausage, add diced green chilies, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Veggie Cabbage Bake: Substitute beef with ground lamb, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-style transformation.
• Hearty Ranch Cabbage Skillet: Mix in ranch seasoning with the ground beef, top with crispy bacon bits, and use ranch-flavored shredded cheese to elevate the classic comfort food with a tangy ranch profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cabbage Casserole: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, use ground turkey instead of beef, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers for a lighter, nutrient-packed alternative.

Common Questions About Cabbage and Beef Casserole

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

The recipe works best with ground beef, but you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned similarly.

• How do I store leftovers of this cabbage and beef casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. It’s hearty, nutritious, and stays delicious when reheated. You can make it in advance and portion it out for easy weekday lunches or dinners.

• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free rice and double-check that your beef broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. The recipe is naturally adaptable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Cabbage And Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Cabbage and Beef Casserole delivers comfort wrapped in layers of rich ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory seasonings. Warm family memories emerge with each satisfying forkful, inviting you to savor classic home-style cooking from Eastern European kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 3 cups (681 grams) cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup (195 grams) cooked rice
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions over medium heat until the meat turns rich brown and loses its raw appearance, breaking it into small crumbles.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef mixture and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
4. Create the first foundation layer by spreading half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even coverage.
5. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the cabbage layer, creating a substantial protein base.
6. Sprinkle the cooked rice across the beef, forming a distinct grain layer that will absorb flavors during baking.
7. Pour the undrained diced tomatoes directly over the rice, allowing the liquid to seep through and enhance moisture.
8. Add the remaining cabbage as the final vegetable layer, covering the previous ingredients completely.
9. Gently pour beef broth over the entire casserole, which will help steam and tenderize the ingredients.
10. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melted finish.
12. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and develops a light golden crust.

Notes

• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a lighter, healthier dish.
• Layer ingredients carefully, creating distinct and even sections for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Choose fresh cabbage for maximum crunch and better texture that holds up during baking.
• Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to taste preferences.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the top from burning prematurely.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg