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

Picture this: a bubbling casserole, golden on top, wafting the irresistible aroma of cheese, beef, and tender cabbage through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole! It’s a feel-good dish that delivers big on flavor while being easy on your wallet and schedule. This recipe brings together ground beef, fluffy rice, and plenty of cheddar in a hearty, no-fuss dinner that always earns rave reviews from everyone at the table. Whether you’re chasing comfort on a chilly night or just need a crowd-pleasing meal that reheats like a dream, it’s the answer you’ve been searching for.

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays an important role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color. You probably have most of these on hand already, and a couple of clever swaps can help you personalize your casserole perfectly!

Cabbage: Pick a medium head and chop it up; it cooks down beautifully and soaks up all the savory goodness.
Ground Beef: Classic and hearty, but feel free to sub ground turkey or chicken if you like it lighter.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth that makes each bite pop.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring that unmistakable aroma and punch to the dish.
Diced Tomatoes: Use a 14.5 oz can, juice and all, for a saucy component and a touch of acidity.
Cooked Rice: Leftover white or brown rice work wonders here—just a cup binds everything together.
Italian Seasoning: This blend lifts up all the flavors, giving your casserole that cozy, home-style personality.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste; you’ll want enough to balance out the richness and bring out the best in your veggies and beef.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Nothing beats the gooey, melty blanket this creates—use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or try a mix.
Beef Broth: A cup poured over before baking keeps everything moist and lets the rice and cabbage soak up all the savory notes.

How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick swipe with butter or a spritz of nonstick spray so nothing sticks. This step is quick but makes your casserole super easy to serve later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet set over medium heat, add your ground beef, onion, and garlic. Let everything cook together until the beef is browned and the onion has softened—about 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure you drain off any excess fat so your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole isn’t greasy.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Next, toss in your chopped cabbage. At first it’ll look like too much, but trust the process! Give it 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, and you’ll see it wilt into the perfect, tender base for your casserole.

Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes, Rice, and Seasoning

Add the can of diced tomatoes (liquid and all), your cooked rice, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. Stir it all up and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes—this is when the rice and cabbage start soaking up all that savory flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the skillet mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pour the beef broth evenly over everything—this little trick ensures your rice and cabbage stay wonderfully moist and flavorful while baking.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Now comes everyone’s favorite part: the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar liberally over the top. This is what gives Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole its signature bubbly, golden crown.

Step 7: Bake

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melty and golden. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps the juices settle and makes slicing super easy.

How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Give your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole a pop of color and freshness with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions over the top right before serving. For a creamy and tangy twist, add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to each plate—it really brings balance to the gooey, rich cheese.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you’re serving a crowd or want to mix things up, it pairs beautifully with sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette. Warm dinner rolls or a thick slice of rustic bread are perfect for scooping up every last bit, and a platter of steamed or roasted vegetables, like carrots or green beans, rounds out the meal with flavor and color.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole from classic to showstopper by baking it in individual ramekins for single-serving portions—these are perfect for lunchboxes or easy meal prep. For a brunch twist, serve with a poached egg on top, or try scooping the hot casserole into warm tortillas for an unexpected, crowd-pleasing wrap night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole stores like a dream! Transfer any remaining Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors get even cozier after a day or two, and the casserole stays moist without getting mushy. Perfect for lunches or quick weeknight dinners!

Freezing

If you want to have Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole on hand for those extra-busy nights, you can freeze it after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap well in plastic and foil or slide into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the casserole covered in a 350°F oven until it’s warmed through and the cheese is bubbly once again (about 20 minutes for a big dish, less for small portions). If you’re short on time, the microwave also does the trick—warm in 1-2 minute bursts until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs on top if you’d like to perk up the flavor and color!

FAQs

Can I prepare Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When dinnertime comes, just pop it straight into the oven, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.

What other cheeses can I use besides cheddar?

Cheddar is classic, but feel free to get creative with your cheese blend. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack add great melt and stretch, while a sprinkle of Parmesan on top brings nutty, savory notes. Use your favorites or whatever is handy!

How do I make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole gluten-free?

Good news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and seasonings are free of gluten-containing additives. Always check your labels if you’re sensitive or serving someone who is!

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground or crumbled lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The hearty cabbage and cheese make it just as satisfying.

Why did my casserole turn out watery? How can I fix it?

Cabbage can release a bit of extra moisture as it bakes, especially if your diced tomatoes are juicy. Let the baked casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving—this allows the rice and vegetables to soak up any extra liquid. Next time, you can drain off some tomato juice or use a little less broth if you prefer a firmer texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, unfussy dinner that tastes just as comforting on day two, Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is your answer. With its simple ingredients and make-ahead magic, it’s likely to become a beloved classic in your home. Give it a try—you’ll love every forkful, and so will everyone else at the table!