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); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup beef broth

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that makes weeknights so much easier and tastier—a warm hug in casserole form, packed with tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, hearty rice, and a blanket of golden, bubbly cheddar cheese. Every time I pull this out of the oven, the kitchen fills with that nostalgic scent of home-cooked comfort, and I know it’s about to disappear fast at the dinner table. Whether you need an easy, crowd-pleasing meal or something budget-friendly to stretch throughout the week, Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a reliable classic you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beauty of simple, honest ingredients—nothing fancy, just real food that brings unbeatable flavor and comfort. Every element in Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole adds something special, from texture to richness to color.

Cabbage: Choose a crisp, medium head for irresistible tenderness and mild sweetness that balances the hearty flavors.
Ground beef: The star protein! Opt for lean beef if you want to keep it lighter, or try ground turkey for a variation.
Onion: Brings a savory depth that rounds out the dish beautifully—don’t skip it!
Garlic: Just a couple cloves is all you need for wonderful, aromatic flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Use a can with juices to create a saucy, flavorful casserole base—fire-roasted tomatoes add extra punch.
Cooked rice: A great use for leftovers, rice gives the casserole its bulk and soaks up all the tasty juices.
Italian seasoning: The secret blend that brings it all together with a kiss of herbs; you can use homemade or store-bought.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste at every stage for the best flavor payoff.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar and shred it yourself—trust me on this, the melt is worth it!
Beef broth: Pours moisture and savory depth into the casserole, making every bite deliciously juicy.

How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick swipe with butter or a mist of nonstick spray. This little step keeps your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, crumbling the beef as it cooks. In about 6 to 8 minutes, the beef should be browned and the onions translucent. Spoon off any extra fat for a lighter end result.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage

Don’t be shy—add all that chopped cabbage right into the skillet! It’ll look like a mountain at first, but give it 5 minutes and a few gentle stirs; it’ll wilt down and mingle beautifully with the beef. This is when Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole starts to come together aromatically.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasonings

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and all their flavorful juices, then add the cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and your kitchen smells incredible.

Step 5: Layer in the Baking Dish

Carefully transfer the skillet mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Drizzle the beef broth over the top to keep everything moist while baking—and to ensure every bite of Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Pile on the Cheese

This is the part everyone looks forward to! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar boldly over your casserole for that perfect, bubbling, golden crust. Be generous—after all, it’s Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole!

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more. Once the cheese is beautifully melted and golden, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes so it slices up neatly.

How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness. If you love a little tang, a dollop of sour cream on top makes Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole even more luscious. For a hit of crunch, try some crispy fried onions as a finishing touch!

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it up alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted green beans. Warm rolls or crusty bread are perfect for sopping up every last delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful twist. Leftovers also tuck perfectly into tortillas for a satisfying next-day wrap or burrito!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

This casserole is a batch-cooker’s dream. You can freeze a whole pan or portioned servings for up to two months. Let the dish cool completely, wrap well, and label for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F until bubbly. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top for extra melty goodness if you like.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make a lighter, equally delicious Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Sometimes I even mix in sausage for extra flavor—just adjust the seasoning to taste.

Do I have to cook the rice beforehand?

Yes, this recipe works best with cooked rice (white or brown). It ensures the texture is perfect and the bake time isn’t too long. Leftover rice from another meal is perfect here!

Why did my casserole turn out watery?

Some cabbages are juicier and canned tomatoes can add extra moisture. If your casserole looks wet, letting it rest after baking allows the rice to soak up any extra juices. Next time, try draining your tomatoes or using a little less broth.

Can I assemble Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the entire casserole the day before, cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake straight from the fridge—just add 10–15 minutes to your bake time to account for the chill.

Is Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, provided your beef broth and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten. Always double-check if you have dietary restrictions!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving simplicity, heartiness, and a meal guaranteed to win smiles, try Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole soon. It’s a recipe that makes both busy weeknights and cozy weekends so much brighter. Go ahead, make extra—you’re going to want those leftovers!