Description
This Ultimate Cabbage Hamburger Casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked into a comforting one-dish meal, this easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and satisfying leftovers.
Ingredients
-
1 pound ground beef
-
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup tomato sauce
-
1 cup diced tomatoes
-
1 cup cooked rice
-
½ cup beef broth
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
-
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
-
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until it begins to soften.
-
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cooked rice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
-
Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors combine.
-
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
-
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
-
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooking the cabbage briefly before baking helps improve texture and flavor.Ground turkey or ground chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version.For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.Additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition.Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it slices more easily.
