Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Gather around for a heartwarming classic with a delightful twist! This Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole is a truly satisfying, low-carb comfort meal that’s so good, you’ll want to savor every single bite.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Discover what makes this comforting casserole an instant family favorite in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Achieve maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Utilize staple pantry items to create a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
• Low-Carb & Satisfying: Enjoy a substantial dish that keeps you full without the extra carbs.
• Rich & Savory Flavors: Experience the perfect harmony of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce.
• Golden, Bubbly Cheese Topping: Indulge in that irresistible melted mozzarella, browned to perfection.
• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 40 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
• Versatile Comfort Food: A comforting meal that adapts to your taste preferences with simple swaps.

Ingredients Needed for Your Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Whip up this incredibly flavorful casserole with a few simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Thoughtfully select each one to ensure the best results for your cheesy ground beef and cabbage casserole.

• 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less fat, or a slightly higher fat content for more flavor.
• 1 Medium Onion, chopped: A yellow or white onion works best for its balanced sweetness.
• 1/2 Head Cabbage, chopped roughly: Look for a firm, fresh head of green cabbage. Remember, larger chunks provide better texture!
• 1 Can (15 oz / 425g) Tomato Sauce: Opt for a plain tomato sauce to control the seasoning.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
• Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• 1.5 Cups (170g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded melts smoother, but pre-shredded is convenient. You can swap for cheddar for a sharper bite!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Easy Cabbage Casserole – A simple yet satisfying twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for any weeknight meal.

Essential Equipment for This Cheesy Casserole

Gathering your tools beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process for this comforting ground beef and cabbage casserole.

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning the beef and softening the vegetables.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size for baking this hearty casserole evenly.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For efficiently chopping your onion and cabbage.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: To ensure accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole Overview

Here’s a quick glance at what to expect when preparing this delicious casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 generous servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Let’s dive into making this wonderfully easy and flavorful cheesy ground beef and cabbage casserole, building incredible flavor with each step!

1. Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

   1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C), getting it ready for baking.
   2. Dice your onion and roughly chop the cabbage, ensuring the cabbage pieces aren’t too small for optimal texture.

2. Brown the Beef and Onion

   1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with your spatula until it’s no longer pink and the onion is softened and fragrant.
   2. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough savory goodness behind.

3. Wilt the Cabbage and Season

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   1. Add the roughly chopped cabbage to the skillet with the beef and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to slightly wilt and soften. You’ll notice its vibrant green deepen.
   2. Stir in the can of tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together as it gently simmers for a minute or two. The aroma will be absolutely delightful!

4. Assemble and Bake Your Casserole

   1. Transfer the savory ground beef and cabbage mixture evenly into your 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out from edge to edge.
   2. Generously top the mixture with the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring every bit of the casserole is covered.
   3. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. The edges will be golden and inviting.
   4. For those perfect golden-brown spots, broil for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

CHECK OUT: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole – All the classic flavors of cabbage rolls in a deconstructed, easy-to-make casserole form.

Tips for Success with This Cabbage Casserole

Achieve the best results every time with these expert tips for your cheesy ground beef and cabbage casserole.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Brown the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it browns, not steams.
• Season Generously: Taste the mixture before transferring to the baking dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Larger Cabbage Chunks: As mentioned, don’t chop the cabbage too small; larger pieces hold up better and provide a more satisfying texture.
• Broiler Watch: When broiling for golden cheese, stay by the oven as cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

Variations & Substitutions for Your Cabbage Casserole

Easily adapt this cheesy ground beef and cabbage casserole to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Cheese Swap: For a sharper flavor, use shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers or shredded carrots along with the onion for extra nutrients and color.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a high-quality dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but these pairings elevate the experience.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato-beef juices.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you’re keeping it low-carb, cauliflower rice is an excellent, absorbent side.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing, non-alcoholic drink to cleanse the palate.

Health Benefits of This Comforting Casserole

Beyond its delicious taste, this cheesy ground beef and cabbage casserole offers some notable nutritional advantages.

• High Protein: Ground beef and mozzarella provide a substantial amount of muscle-building protein.
• Fiber-Rich: Cabbage is an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
• Low-Carb: Naturally lower in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those watching their carb intake.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Cabbage contributes Vitamin C and K, while beef offers iron and B vitamins.

Storage & Reheating Your Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole

Plan ahead or enjoy leftovers easily with these storage and reheating tips.

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating (Oven): Thaw if frozen. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheese.
• Reheating (Microwave): Portion individual servings onto a microwave-safe plate and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Here are some common questions readers often ask about making this delightful casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

  
  

  

  
  

  Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1-6) and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

• What if I don’t like mozzarella?

  
  

  No problem! Cheddar offers a sharper flavor, while a Monterey Jack or Colby Jack blend provides excellent melt and milder taste. Experiment with what you love!

• Can I use different ground meat?

  
  

  Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken would work well, though they might be leaner. Adjust cooking time slightly and consider adding a bit more oil for moisture if using very lean meats.

• How do I avoid watery casserole?

  
  

  Ensure you drain all excess fat from the ground beef after browning. Also, make sure to cook the cabbage until it’s slightly wilted before adding the tomato sauce, as this helps release some moisture.

• Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

  
  

  Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight, freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped individual portions.

  
  

More Delicious Dishes to Try

If you enjoyed this hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole, you’ll love exploring these other comforting and flavorful recipes from our kitchen!

• Hearty and Comforting Cabbage Soup – A warm, nourishing soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Slow Cooker Cabbage and Beef Stew – Tender beef and cabbage slowly simmered to perfection for an effortless meal.
• Fried Cabbage – A simple, delicious side dish that highlights the versatility of cabbage.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole is truly a star – satisfying, low-carb, and packed with flavor. It’s destined to become a staple in your meal rotation! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration.

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