Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
This Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a melty cheese topping. Quick to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering a balanced and satisfying meal with rich flavors and simple ingredients.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 medium green cabbage (core removed and roughly chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or preferred variety)
Seasonings & Fat
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or parsley)
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, core it, and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside while you cook the beef mixture.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes along with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly but still retains some bite.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top to create a golden crust once baked.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
Notes
- Choose fresh cabbage with firm, crisp leaves without blemishes.
- Drain excess fat carefully to avoid greasy casserole but keep some for flavor.
- Do not overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Use sharp or strongly flavored cheese for more depth and richness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cabbage casserole, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free casserole, family meal