Name: Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef (Regular or lean, room temperature); 1 small Onion (Chopped (about 1 cup)); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1 small head Cabbage (Chopped (about 6 cups)); 1 can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes (With juice); 1 can (8 oz) Tomato sauce; 1 cup Cooked rice (Cooled (white or brown)); Salt (To taste); Pepper (To taste); 1 tablespoon Oil (For cooking (optional, if using lean beef)); Nonstick spray or butter (To grease the casserole dish)

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Creamy, comforting, and full of homey flavor, this Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and satisfies a crowd. It’s a simple one-dish meal that combines tender cabbage, juicy browned beef, tangy tomatoes, and fluffy rice into a cozy casserole that comes together quickly and feeds a family on a weeknight. Fun fact: cabbage was once considered a luxury in some parts of Europe, but today it’s one of the most affordable and versatile veggies in the pantry—perfect for stretching a meal without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe stands out because it’s straightforward to prepare, requires minimal hands-on cooking, and appeals to picky eaters and adventurous families alike. If you like easy casseroles that pack big flavor, you might also enjoy our 5-ingredient ground beef casserole, another fuss-free favorite on the blog. Grab your skillet and oven—this casserole is about to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.

What is Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole?

What’s in a name? Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole pretty much tells the story: it’s hearty, it stars cabbage and ground beef, and it bakes into a comforting casserole. Ever wonder who decided casseroles needed to be called “hearty”? Probably someone who knew a good, stick-to-your-ribs dinner when they tasted one. Could it be because it satisfies hunger like the old saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” suggests? Maybe. Either way, this dish is easy enough for a weeknight and warm enough for a Sunday supper—give it a try and see why families keep coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This:

Big, comforting flavor: Browned ground beef mixed with sweet, softened cabbage and a tangy tomato base makes every bite savory and satisfying.
Budget-friendly and filling: Cabbage and rice stretch the meal without adding cost, so this casserole feeds more people for less money—perfect for budget-conscious cooks.
Versatile toppings and add-ins: Fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a spoonful of sour cream add polish; a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs gives a nice contrast.

Compared to other recipes, like the skillet casseroles you’ll find around here, this bake delivers that cozy, baked finish that families love. Don’t wait—preheat that oven and make a comforting dinner tonight.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully simple and forgiving. You’ll brown the beef, soften the aromatics and cabbage, stir in tomatoes and rice, then bake until everything melds together. The casserole balances texture—soft cabbage, tender beef, and a slightly saucy interior—while the top gets a gentle finish in the oven. Total time is about 45–55 minutes: roughly 15–20 minutes prep and 35–40 minutes baking.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, regular or lean, room temperature
1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup cooked rice, cooled (white or brown)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon oil for cooking (optional, if using lean beef)
Nonstick spray or butter to grease the casserole dish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of butter. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook with the beef until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir frequently so the onions soften without burning.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant—garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and reduce in volume, about 5–7 minutes. The cabbage should be wilted but still have a bit of texture.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce, stirring to combine everything into a saucy mixture. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to pick up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Mix in the cooked rice and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until rice is evenly distributed and the casserole filling is cohesive.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon for even baking.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften fully.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and slightly browned on top. If you like a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm and enjoying.

Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole

What to Serve With:

A crisp green salad (mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette) to cut through the richness.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans for color and texture.
Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the saucy bits.
A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a cooling contrast.
For drinks, a light-bodied red wine, lager, or a sparkling water with lemon complements the savory flavors.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Ingredient substitutions: Use ground turkey or pork if you prefer—adjust seasoning as turkey is milder. Swap cooked quinoa for rice for a protein boost.
Timing adjustments: If your cabbage is larger, slice it thinner for faster softening. To speed up weeknight prep, use pre-chopped cabbage from the store.
Flavor enhancements: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for depth. Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top brighten the dish.
Texture tricks: For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle before the final 10 minutes of baking.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overcook the garlic in the skillet; it can turn bitter. Ensure the rice is cooked beforehand—uncooked rice will not finish in the oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix?
Yes. Pre-shredded cabbage or a plain coleslaw mix saves time—just make sure it doesn’t contain dressing. You may need to reduce cooking time slightly since it wilts faster.

Do I have to cook the rice first?
Yes—use cooked rice. This recipe assumes rice is already cooked; uncooked rice won’t finish properly in the casserole and could make the dish gummy.

Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Absolutely. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking, or sprinkle cheese on top during the final 10 minutes to melt and brown.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in portions or as a whole. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

How can I make this healthier?
Swap lean ground turkey or extra-lean beef, use brown rice for added fiber, and reduce the salt. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrients.

Conclusion

This Hearty Cabbage & Ground Beef Casserole is a dependable, comforting meal that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and tasty enough for a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and flexible options for swaps or toppings, it’s a recipe that suits cooks of all levels. If you want to explore another take on cabbage casserole, check out this Hearty Cabbage Casserole Recipe – Healthy Recipes Blog for inspiration and variations. Give this casserole a try, and don’t forget to share it with family or friends—comfort food is best when shared.