Looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that’s all done in a single pot? This One-Pot Cabbage Casserole is the answer. Loaded with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, cheese, and cabbage, it’s a budget-friendly dinner that’s both flavorful and filling. Whether you’re a cabbage enthusiast or just warming up to it, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sunday dinners.
Cabbage often gets a bad rap, but in this dish, it soaks up the flavors beautifully while adding texture and nutrition. If you liked our One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Skillet or Beef & Rice Skillet, this cabbage casserole is going to become a regular on your menu.
What Is One-Pot Cabbage Casserole?
One-Pot Cabbage Casserole is a stovetop dinner made by simmering seasoned ground beef, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes all in one pot until everything is tender and delicious. It’s finished off with a generous sprinkle of melted cheese, making it comfort food at its finest.
This dish skips the oven entirely and saves on cleanup. As the saying goes, “good food doesn’t need to be complicated,” and this one-pot wonder proves just that.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy & Convenient: All the ingredients cook together in one pot—no need for multiple pans or baking dishes.
Flavorful & Satisfying: A combination of beef, tomatoes, rice, and cheese brings bold, homey flavors.
Customizable: Make it spicier with Rotel, use your favorite cheese, or add extra veggies.
This recipe is ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- Salt and pepper or Creole seasoning, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 3 large handfuls of cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water (use the empty tomato sauce can twice)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (or use Rotel for extra spice)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, season ground beef with salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning.
- Add chopped onion and cook over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are translucent.
- Drain excess grease.
2. Add remaining ingredients:
- Stir in rice, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes (with juice).
3. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes or until rice is cooked and cabbage is tender.
- Avoid lifting the lid for the first 20 minutes to allow the rice to cook properly.
4. Finish with cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve with Cabbage Casserole
This casserole is a full meal on its own but pairs well with:
- A side of crusty bread or garlic toast
- A fresh green salad or coleslaw
- Steamed veggies or pickled beets for something tangy
Top Tips for Success
- Chop the cabbage evenly: This helps everything cook at the same rate.
- Use long grain white rice: It cooks consistently and absorbs the flavors well.
- Adjust spice to your taste: Use Rotel or hot sauce if you like it spicy, or keep it mild for the whole family.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Set a timer and avoid lifting the lid too soon.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freeze portions in individual containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it may require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Substitute ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Cabbage Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish packed with flavor and family-friendly appeal. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or just cabbage-curious, this recipe is sure to win you over—one delicious bite at a time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- Salt and pepper or Creole seasoning, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 3 large handfuls cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water (use tomato sauce can to measure)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (or Rotel for spice)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion and seasoning. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Add rice, cabbage, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes, until rice is tender and cabbage is cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit a few minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken. You can also stir in extra veggies like bell pepper or zucchini. Leftovers freeze beautifully for easy meal prep.
One-Pot Cabbage Casserole
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
Vegetables
- 1 unit Onion, chopped
- 3 handfuls Cabbage, roughly chopped
Grains
- 1 cup Uncooked Rice
Canned Goods
- 1 can (8 oz) Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups Water (use the empty tomato sauce can to measure)
- 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes, undrained (or use Rotel for extra spice)
Dairy
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Colby Jack recommended)
Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper or Creole Seasoning, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion and seasoning. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease.
- Add rice, cabbage, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes, until rice is tender and cabbage is cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit a few minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!