Name: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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 (white or brown rice); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup beef broth

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is the casserole dreams are made of—cozy, colorful, and bubbling with flavor. Every forkful brings together tender morsels of cabbage, hearty beef, seasoned rice, and a perfectly gooey cheddar topping, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a comforting classic or a reliable dish that leaves everyone (including picky eaters!) asking for seconds, this recipe is it. The best part? It’s as simple to make as it is delicious, which means this casserole can work its magic at busy weeknight dinners, lazy Sundays, or cozy gatherings with family and friends.

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of humble ingredients can transform into a Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole bursting with taste and texture. Each element here adds something essential—flavor from the beef, sweetness from cabbage, heartiness from rice, brightness from tomatoes, and of course, the irresistible richness of cheese.

Cabbage: Chop up a medium head—this veggie cooks down and becomes sweet, tender, and mellow, soaking up all the savory flavors.
Ground Beef: Use one pound of quality ground beef for a rich and savory foundation, though turkey or chicken also work beautifully!
Onion: Adds base flavor and a subtle sweetness as it cooks alongside the beef.
Garlic: Just two cloves transform the entire casserole, so don’t skip this for that classic aromatic depth.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can): Make sure to use the juices for extra moisture and zing—fire-roasted or regular both work.
Cooked Rice: One cup of already-cooked rice (white or brown) lends body and absorbs all the savory juices.
Italian Seasoning: This simple blend brightens up the meat and vegetables without overwhelming any flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust along the way for the perfect savory bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use two cups for an oozy, golden top; hand-shred for the best melt if you can.
Beef Broth: A cup of broth keeps everything moist, helps the flavors meld, and amps up the umami notes.

How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick swipe of butter or a spritz of nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup—a little bit of prep makes life that much easier when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

Grab your favorite large skillet and crumble in the ground beef. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic all at once. Cook everything over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 6–8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is browned and the onions are soft and golden. Drain off any excess fat—this keeps your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole from getting greasy and lets the other flavors shine.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Toss the chopped cabbage right into the skillet with your beef mixture. It’ll look like a lot at first, but don’t worry—cabbage shrinks as it cooks! Stir and let everything sauté for about 5 minutes, or until that mountain of cabbage starts to wilt and mix in with the beef. This step makes your kitchen smell incredible and gets those flavors mingling.

Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasoning

Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes—including those flavor-packed juices—then add your cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well so every bite will have that perfect blend of seasoning and savory vegetables. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes to give the flavors a head start before baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Scoop the entire contents of your skillet into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Take the beef broth and pour it slowly over the top to help everything stay moist and meld while baking—it sneaks silky flavor into every corner of your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Time for the iconic layer! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the casserole. Don’t skimp—you want every slice to have a bubbly, golden-cheesy crust that makes this dish so memorable.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving to give everything time to set up for those perfect, hearty scoops.

How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream on each serving brings brightness and freshness that contrast beautifully with the rich flavors. Even a touch of cracked black pepper right before serving can be a simple yet effective garnish.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a one-pan wonder, but it does love some flavorful company! Try pairing it with a crisp, fresh salad (think tangy vinaigrette and crunchy lettuce) or some warm dinner rolls to mop up the juices. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also make colorful and nutritious sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins at a dinner party, or pack leftovers into lunch containers for a meal-prepped week. The casserole can even be used as a hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers or topped with extra cheese and baked for a deluxe cheesy experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, store leftover Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors seem to deepen overnight, making leftovers an especially inviting lunch or second-day dinner.

Freezing

This casserole is built for make-ahead convenience! You can freeze the fully baked casserole: just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly before freezing for up to two months. To freeze individual portions, scoop into freezer-safe containers for easy batch prep.

Reheating

For best results, reheat whole or partial casseroles (covered) in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes. For quick meals, microwave individual portions in 1–2 minute bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice brings a nutty flavor and extra fiber to Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the recipe, as it requires a longer cook time than white rice.

Does this work with ground turkey or chicken?

Yes! Both ground turkey and ground chicken offer leaner alternatives to beef. They keep the casserole just as delicious and satisfying, especially when well-seasoned and cooked with the aromatics.

Can I make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole ahead for a party?

Definitely—this casserole is practically made for prepping ahead. Assemble and store covered in the fridge up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra baking minutes since it’ll start out cold.

My casserole turned out watery. What should I do?

Cabbage and tomatoes both release liquid as they cook. If your casserole is a bit runny, let it rest uncovered for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. The rice and cabbage will naturally absorb extra liquid, giving you the ideal consistency.

Is Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so long as you double-check that your beef broth and Italian seasoning are gluten-free (some brands may contain gluten). It’s a great option for anyone wanting a comforting meal without wheat.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved comfort food. With every bite, you get melt-in-your-mouth flavor, a happy combination of cheesy, savory, and subtly sweet, and leftovers that only get better with time. Go ahead and give it a spot on your table—you might just create a new family favorite!