This hearty Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheddar cheese for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. Simple ingredients come together in this budget-friendly casserole that’s perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep. Each bite delivers savory flavors with a delicious cheese topping that will satisfy even picky eaters!

Ingredients:

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the beef broth evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Variation

Mexican-Style: Substitute taco seasoning for Italian seasoning, add 1 can of black beans (drained), use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and top with diced avocado and cilantro before serving.
Mediterranean: Add 1/2 cup sliced olives, 1 diced bell pepper, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle with fresh dill before serving.
Garden Veggie: Add 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn), use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and top with a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Cooking Notes

For more tender cabbage, blanch it in boiling water for 3 minutes before adding it to the skillet.
If the casserole seems too dry before baking, add an extra 1/4 cup of beef broth.
For a golden, crispy cheese top, broil for the final 2 minutes of cooking time (watch carefully to prevent burning).

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh garden salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pair with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition.
Add a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving for extra richness and tang.

Tips

Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded for better melting quality.
Cook the rice with a bouillon cube for extra flavor before adding it to the casserole.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly before serving.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per serving)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 480mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Cool the casserole completely, then portion into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for the rice? Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or barley make excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly as these alternatives may require different preparation.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as written the recipe is gluten-free. Just be sure to check your beef broth label to confirm it doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole brings together simple, affordable ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese creates a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner option or a hearty meal to warm up on cold evenings, this versatile casserole delivers on flavor while being easy to prepare. With minimal prep time and mostly hands-off cooking, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation!

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Author: Avery
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the beef broth evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Make ahead tip: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish freezes beautifully – cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: cabbage casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy cabbage, budget-friendly dinner, family dinner, comfort food, one-dish meal