Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the flavors of savory beef, tender cabbage, and gooey cheese. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger while being simple to prepare. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or to share with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for a few reasons. First, it’s budget-friendly. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Second, it’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup easy. Finally, the combination of flavors—beef, cabbage, and cheese—is simply delicious. It’s a meal that both kids and adults will love!
How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Making Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is straightforward. You will prepare the filling in one skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish to finish it off in the oven. Here’s how to do it.
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
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup beef broth
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to soften.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the beef broth evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Serve Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole hot from the oven. You can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It’s great on its own, but a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a nice touch.
How to Store Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave. You can also freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 3 months. If freezing, make sure to use a freezer-safe dish.
Tips to Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even leftover rice from another meal.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese. If you love cheese, add more or try different types like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrition and taste.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. You could also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you are baking it straight from the fridge.
2. Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen chopped cabbage. Just thaw it and drain excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. It’s a filling meal on its own, so sides are optional!
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole!
