✨ A Short, Perfect Introduction
This Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole is a down-home favorite that’s as budget-friendly as it is belly-warming. 🥩🥬 Packed with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melty cheese — it’s a simple, one-dish meal that brings big flavor and old-school comfort to your table.
📋 Prep Time: 20 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: None
⏱️ Total Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings: 6
🔥 Calories per Serving: 360 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥬 1/2 head of green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 🍅 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 🥫 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 🌿 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 🧂 Salt & pepper to taste
- 🍚 Optional: 1 cup cooked white rice (for a heartier version)
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 🧈 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13” baking dish lightly with oil or butter.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef 🥩 with onion 🧅 and garlic 🧄 until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
3️⃣ Cook the Cabbage:
Add chopped cabbage 🥬 to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until slightly tender. Stir in diced tomatoes 🍅, tomato sauce 🥫, Italian seasoning 🌿, and salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Add Rice (Optional):
If using, stir in the cooked rice 🍚 and mix everything together well.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese 🧀.
6️⃣ Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. 🔥
7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Let cool slightly before serving. Add fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream if you like! 🌿
🍯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, hearty, and made with everyday ingredients 🥬
- Comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor 🧀
- Great for meal prep or freezing in portions ❄️
- Naturally low-carb without rice, or extra filling with it! 🎯
🔥 Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for added flavor 🥩
- Don’t overcook the cabbage — it softens perfectly in the oven
- Want spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes 🌶️
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for later 🍱