Name: Cabbage and Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 450 g Ground Beef (lean or regular, room temperature if possible); 100 g Onion (finely chopped); 600-700 g Cabbage (small head, shredded); 410 g Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juice, no need to drain); 200 g Cooked Rice (white or brown, cooked and cooled); 15 ml Worcestershire Sauce (about 1 tablespoon); 5 g Paprika (about 1 teaspoon); 5 g Garlic Powder (about 1 teaspoon); 1 tsp Salt (to taste); 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp Oil (for cooking, vegetable or olive oil (optional))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, savory, and comfortingly simple, this Cabbage and Ground Beef recipe is a weeknight hero that comes together with minimal fuss. Tender shredded cabbage mingles with juicy browned beef, fragrant spices, and a splash of Worcestershire for a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Fun fact: cabbage was once considered a poor man’s vegetable, yet it stars in countless beloved family meals around the world.

If you love quick casseroles that feed a crowd, this one is for you. It’s simple to prepare, cooks largely on its own in the oven, and appeals to picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike. Want to try a slightly different twist later? Check out this tasty option: cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for another comforting ground-beef favorite on the blog.

Give this recipe a try tonight — it’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warm aromas and disappears fast.

What is Cabbage and Ground Beef?

Ever wonder how a dish gets such a straightforward name? Cabbage and Ground Beef is exactly what it says: simple, honest ingredients cooked together into something cozy and delicious. Who needs a fancy title when comfort food says it all? Is it humble or brilliant? Maybe both. Some families have called similar dishes “skillet cabbage” or “cabbage bake,” but the appeal is universal.

A playful thought: maybe it’s called Cabbage and Ground Beef because your grandmother didn’t have time for creative naming and just wanted dinner on the table. And remember, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So whether you’re cooking for family or friends, give this a try and let the flavors do the talking — you might just start a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This

There are three big reasons this recipe wins repeated spots on the meal plan.

Satisfying and comforting: The combination of caramelized beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomatoes creates a warm, homey texture and flavor that feels like a hug on a plate. The mild sweetness of cabbage and the umami-rich Worcestershire sauce make every bite balanced and delicious.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are both affordable staples. Making this at home costs much less than takeout and stretches well — leftover portions are excellent for lunches or a second dinner.
Simple flavor boosters: A touch of paprika and garlic powder lift the dish without complicating prep, and cooked rice adds body and makes it a one-dish meal. If you like richer, cheesier casseroles, take inspiration from this related recipe: cheddar-crusted ground beef and rice casserole.

Ready to make something cozy and easy? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward and rewarding: brown the beef and onion, wilt the cabbage, mix in tomatoes, rice, and seasonings, then bake until everything is tender and melded. The texture is hearty with tender cabbage and juicy beef, and the Worcestershire gives a subtle savory depth. Total time is about 45–55 minutes: 10–15 minutes prep and 30–35 minutes baking.

Ingredients

450g ground beef — lean or regular, room temperature if possible
1 small onion, finely chopped — about 100g, finely diced
1 small head of cabbage, shredded — about 600–700g before shredding
410g canned diced tomatoes (with juice) — no need to drain
200g cooked rice — white or brown, cooked and cooled
15ml Worcestershire sauce — about 1 tablespoon
5g paprika — about 1 teaspoon
5g garlic powder — about 1 teaspoon
Salt and pepper to taste — start with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp oil for cooking — vegetable or olive oil (optional, depending on meat fat)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly oil a medium baking dish or spray with nonstick spray.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. If your beef is very lean, add 1–2 tablespoons of oil. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 7–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper as it cooks.
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet along with the canned diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine so the cabbage begins to soften and absorbs tomato juices. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage just starts to wilt.
Stir in the cooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so flavors meld and excess liquid reduces slightly.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the top is set. If you prefer a lightly browned top, remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes of baking and increase the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to settle. Serve warm, straight from the baking dish.

Cabbage and Ground Beef

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Roasted carrots or parsnips for a sweet contrast.
Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up juices.
Pickled beets or a tangy slaw to add a bright, acidic counterpoint.
For drinks, a light beer, iced tea, or a dry white wine pairs nicely.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use a mix of lean and slightly fattier ground beef for flavor and moisture. If using very lean beef, add a tablespoon of oil when browning.
Shred cabbage finely if you prefer it to melt into the dish, or coarsely for more texture.
If you like heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
To avoid watery casserole, drain excess liquid after simmering but before baking; however, keep enough to prevent dryness.
For extra richness, stir in 50–100g of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream just before baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat covered in a 175°C (350°F) oven until hot, about 15–20 minutes for a single portion or 25–30 minutes for a larger dish. Microwave individual servings on medium power, stirring halfway, until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the casserole seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works fine—browning may require a little oil. Adjust seasonings to taste, as poultry is milder than beef.

Do I have to use rice?
No. The rice makes it heartier, but you can leave it out for a lower-carb dish or substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Can I make this on the stovetop only?
Absolutely. After combining, simmer covered on low for 15–20 minutes until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.

How can I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions for built-in heat.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Cabbage and Ground Beef casserole is proof that simple ingredients can deliver satisfying, family-friendly dinners without fuss. It’s budget-conscious, flexible, and forgiving—perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal planning. Try it, adapt it, and share the leftovers with loved ones — you’ll find it earns a regular spot on your rotation.

For inspiration from similar tried-and-true versions, see this classic Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe and a lovely one-pot take here: Ground Beef and Cabbage (One-Pot Recipe).