Creamy Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Welcome to a heartwarming classic: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring comfort and satisfaction to the table. Picture layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a generous topping of gooey melted cheddar cheese – it’s like a warm embrace in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to impress at potlucks, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

I stumbled upon this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole recipe one day when I had an abundance of cabbage in the fridge, and it has been a staple ever since. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the richness of the cheese creates a dish that is both hearty and delicious. Perfect for busy evenings or lazy Sundays, this casserole has a way of bringing everyone together around the dinner table. So, gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the aromas of this comforting casserole fill your home with warmth and anticipation.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and satisfying meal: A warm hug at the end of a long day, perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
• Versatile and customizable: Swap in different cheeses, meats, or grains for variety and personal preferences.
• Make-ahead convenience: Can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and frozen for easy meal prep and storage.
• Family-friendly and nostalgic: A classic American comfort dish with a creative twist on traditional cabbage recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Cabbage Casserole Recipe

• Comforting and Satisfying: This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender cabbage, savory beef, and a gooey layer of melted cheddar to leave you feeling happy and full.
• Family Favorite: A tried-and-true family recipe that will have everyone scraping their plates clean, making it perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with substitutions like ground turkey, different cheeses, and alternative rice options, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prepare in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving for a convenient meal prep option. Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great freezer-friendly option for busy days.
• Classic and Nostalgic: A creative twist on traditional cabbage dishes found in Eastern European and American Midwest cuisine, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth with every bite.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Kids will love the cheesy topping, making it a hit with the whole family. Perfect for serving guests at gatherings or potlucks, sparking conversations about family recipes and traditions.
• Easy Cleanup: Using block cheese that you shred yourself ensures the best melting texture, making cleanup a breeze with minimal dishes to wash.
• Healthy Option: Swap in lean ground beef or turkey, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables for a lighter version without compromising on flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: With simple ingredients and the option to use ready rice, this recipe is a real weeknight saver, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in no time.
• Meal Pairings: Enjoy this casserole as a complete meal on its own or pair it with a side of crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or crusty bread for a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Casserole Base

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (410 g) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup (200 g) cooked white rice
• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning & Liquid

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Topping

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Pro Tips for Creamy Beef and Cabbage Casserole

For the best melting texture, opt for block cheese that you shred yourself when making this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. The gooey layer of cheddar is what makes this dish shine, so be generous with it! Encourage your family to participate by letting them sprinkle the cheese on top before baking for a fun experience.

To save time on busy weeknights, consider using pre-cooked rice like ready rice pouches as a convenient alternative. Fully cooked rice is essential for this recipe, as raw rice won’t have enough time to soften during the baking process. You can also prepare this casserole in advance by assembling it, refrigerating, and baking it before serving for an effortless meal prep option.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 2: Cook Beef with Aromatics

Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage

Cook the chopped cabbage in the skillet for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Combine diced tomatoes with juice, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5: Assemble in Baking Dish

Evenly spread the mixture into a greased 33 x 23 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish, then pour beef broth over the top.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Storage Tips

After preparing Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, any leftovers should be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, portion the casserole into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, consider adding a splash of beef broth before baking to keep the dish moist. Alternatively, you can microwave on medium power to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

To enhance the dish, consider using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter result. Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra stretch and flavor. You can also substitute white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. When using fresh tomatoes during the season, dice them with a pinch of sugar for a bright alternative to canned tomatoes. Serve the casserole with a side of green salad, roasted green beans, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a lighter option, you can easily substitute ground turkey for the ground beef without compromising the flavors. Additionally, if you are looking to reduce the fat content, consider using reduced-fat cheddar cheese or opting for a lighter cheese like Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile that still melts beautifully.

To cater to different dietary needs or variations, you can experiment with alternative ingredients. Instead of white rice, you can try using brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version of the casserole. If you are looking to add more vegetables or switch up the flavors, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the dish. These additions can enhance the nutritional value and add more depth to the overall taste of the casserole.

When preparing this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole in advance, you can save time by using fully cooked rice. This will ensure that the rice is tender and fully cooked during the baking process. If you are short on time, using pre-cooked or microwavable rice pouches can be a convenient option for quick assembly. Additionally, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving for a stress-free meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering the Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Top each portion with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before baking for a beautiful presentation. Serve these mini casseroles alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread for a delightful meal.

Another fun idea is to turn this casserole into a fun and interactive dish by setting up a DIY casserole bar. Provide bowls of different cheese options like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar, as well as various toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped scallions, and diced bell peppers. Let your guests customize their own Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole creations before baking, adding a playful twist to a classic comfort dish.

FAQs for Creamy Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Can I use other types of cheese besides cheddar in this recipe?

Yes, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend all melt well and pair nicely with beef and cabbage.

Can I use raw rice instead of cooked rice?

It’s best to use fully cooked rice, as raw rice won’t soften enough during the baking process.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

You can assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving for easy prep.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Swap in lean ground beef or ground turkey, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables if desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a delightful and heartwarming dish that brings together the comforting flavors of cabbage, beef, and cheese in a satisfying way. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal or a dish to impress at a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit with its delicious combination of ingredients.

So, don’t hesitate to try out this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole recipe for a cozy and flavorful meal that will have your loved ones coming back for more. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious casserole and savor the cheesy goodness that makes it truly special. Let this dish become a staple in your recipe collection, bringing joy and satisfaction to your dining table time and time again.