Introduction
Remember those comforting meals from childhood that just made everything feel right? This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is exactly that! It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and warms you from the inside out. And the best part? It’s surprisingly quick and simple to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without all the fuss. Get ready to create a new favorite memory!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in under an hour from start to finish!
- Easy: Simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Giftable: Makes a fantastic meal to share with friends or neighbors.
- Crowd-pleasing: A hearty and savory flavor that everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies, will adore.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: Don’t be shy with the cabbage! It adds such a wonderful tender texture and a subtle sweetness when cooked down.
- 1 lb ground beef: Your classic protein base. Feel free to use your favorite kind!
- 1 onion, chopped: A little onion goes a long way to building flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the backbone of so many delicious dishes.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: These little gems add juiciness and a hint of acidity.
- 1 cup cooked rice: This helps to bind everything together and make it extra satisfying. Leftover rice is perfect here!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple way to add a burst of herby goodness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: The essentials for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 cup beef broth: This helps to create a lovely, moist casserole.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Because who doesn’t love a cheesy topping? Melted, bubbly cheddar is pure comfort.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! This is going to be so easy, you’ll be amazed.
- Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven going to 375°F (190°C). This gives it plenty of time to heat up while you do the rest.
- Brown the beef: Grab a nice big skillet and toss in your ground beef. Cook it over medium-high heat until it’s all browned and delicious. Once it’s done, drain off any excess fat – we want flavor, not greasiness!
- Sauté the aromatics: Now, add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet with the beef. Cook them together for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is nice and soft. You’ll start to smell that wonderful savory aroma!
- Combine the goodness: Stir in your chopped cabbage, the whole can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!), your cooked rice, and that lovely Italian seasoning. Give it all a good mix. Now for the seasoning – add salt and black pepper until it tastes just right to you. I always like to taste it at this stage and adjust!
- Add the broth: Pour in your beef broth and bring the whole delicious mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for a minute or two.
- Into the dish it goes: Carefully transfer this hearty mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Cheese, please! Sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Make sure it’s nice and evenly distributed so you get cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Bake to bubbly perfection: Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get those lovely golden-brown spots. The casserole should be heated all the way through.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Veggies: Feel free to add in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even some frozen peas along with the cabbage.
- Meat: Ground turkey or even sausage would be delicious substitutes for the ground beef.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack, a Colby-Jack blend, or even a touch of Parmesan would be fantastic!
- Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat. A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can boost the savory flavor even more.
Tips for Success
Here are a few little tricks to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage (Initially): You just want to soften the onion and garlic slightly before adding the cabbage. It will continue to cook and become tender in the oven.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your mixture before transferring it to the baking dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop all your vegetables and even brown the beef the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the casserole when you’re ready to bake.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a good thing, especially with this casserole! Let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time and bake it later?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (up to the point of baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can! Assemble and bake the casserole as directed. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: It’s a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping would be lovely accompaniments!
Cozy & Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet large
- Baking dish 9x13 inch
- Oven
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup cooked rice Leftover rice is perfect here!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off excess fat.1 medium head cabbage
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft.1 medium head cabbage
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juice), cooked rice, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.1 medium head cabbage
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.1 medium head cabbage
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.1 medium head cabbage
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.