Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef

Welcome to a world where comfort food meets convenience! Forget the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves; our Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef brings all those beloved, savory flavors right to your dinner table in one glorious, easy-to-make dish. This hearty deconstructed casserole is truly too good not to share, blending tender ground beef, wilted cabbage, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce into a comforting masterpiece perfect for any night.

Why You’ll Love This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

This savory casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Delicious: Enjoy all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling process.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, rice, and vegetables, it’s a truly filling dish that satisfies even the biggest appetites.
• Weeknight Winner: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with wholesome, affordable ingredients, it’s kind to your wallet without compromising on taste.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet before transferring to a baking dish, minimizing cleanup.
• Flavorful & Aromatic: The blend of savory beef, sweet cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce creates an aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences with various toppings or spice levels.

Ingredients Needed for Your Comforting Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a truly satisfying meal. Each component plays a crucial role in building this casserole’s incredible flavor profile:

• 1 1/2 lbs (approx. 680g) Ground Beef: Opt for a lean-to-medium fat ratio (80/20 is ideal) for great flavor without excessive grease.
• 1 Large Onion (approx. 200g), chopped: A foundational aromatic that sweetens as it cooks. Choose a firm, unblemished onion.
• 1 Head Cabbage (approx. 900g-1kg), chopped: Green cabbage works wonderfully, wilting down to a tender texture. Look for tightly packed, vibrant green heads.
• 2 (14.5 oz / 411g) Cans Diced Tomatoes, undrained: These provide a chunky, tangy base for the sauce.
• 1 (8 oz / 227g) Can Tomato Sauce: Adds a smooth, rich tomato depth to the casserole.
• 1 cup (approx. 185g) White Rice, uncooked: Long-grain white rice is recommended for its ability to absorb flavors and cook evenly within the casserole.
• 1 cup (240ml) Beef Broth: Enhances the savory notes and ensures the rice cooks perfectly.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: A convenient way to infuse savory garlic flavor throughout the dish.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole – a lighter take on this classic comfort food.

Essential Equipment for a Perfect Casserole

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables. A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even cooking.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for baking this hearty casserole evenly.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial for covering the dish, allowing the rice to steam and cook to tender perfection.
• Sturdy Spoon or Spatula: For stirring ingredients and scraping the bottom of the pan.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For efficiently chopping your onion and cabbage.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8 generous servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece! Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal:

1. Step 1: Prep and Brown the Aromatics and Beef

   1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly ready when your casserole is assembled.
   2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it apart with your spoon.
   3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
   4. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This prevents your casserole from becoming greasy.

2. Step 2: Wilt the Cabbage and Build the Flavor Base

   1. Stir in the chopped cabbage with the browned beef and onion. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and slightly wilt, about 5-8 minutes. It will look like a lot at first, but it cooks down beautifully.
   2. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked white rice, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
   3. Season the mixture with garlic powder. Stir it in thoroughly so the flavor disperses evenly.
   4. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Step 3: Bake to Perfection

   1. Transfer the savory mixture from the skillet into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
   2. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam, ensuring the rice cooks tenderly and absorbs all the delicious liquids.
   3. Bake for 45-50 minutes in your preheated oven, or until the rice is completely tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
   4. During the last 5 minutes of baking, if you desire, remove the foil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   5. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the rice to fully plump.

CHECK OUT: Hearty Cabbage and Ground Beef Soup – another delicious way to enjoy hearty cabbage and ground beef.

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Tips for Unstuffed Cabbage Success

Elevate your casserole with these expert pointers:

• Stir Midway: Gently stir the casserole halfway through baking (around the 25-minute mark) to ensure the rice cooks evenly and prevents sticking, especially at the bottom.
• Don’t Skimp on Draining: Properly draining the fat from the ground beef ensures your casserole isn’t greasy and the flavors shine.
• Chop Cabbage Consistently: Aim for uniformly chopped cabbage pieces so they cook down at the same rate and integrate beautifully into the dish.
• Taste and Adjust: Before transferring to the baking dish, taste the simmering mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
• Patience is Key for Resting: Allowing the casserole to stand for a few minutes after baking helps the rice fully absorb any remaining liquid and makes for easier, neater serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Make this unstuffed cabbage casserole your own with these creative twists:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic powder for a subtle kick, or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your beef broth is gluten-free, and this recipe is naturally accommodating!
• Add More Veggies: Stir in grated carrots or bell peppers with the cabbage for extra nutrients and color.
• Herbaceous Twist: Fresh parsley or dill stirred in after baking adds a vibrant, fresh finish.
• Different Grains: While white rice is classic, you could experiment with brown rice (it will require more liquid and a longer baking time) or even quinoa.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round out the experience perfectly:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato-infused sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Green Beans: A classic and easy vegetable side.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, though the rice in the casserole makes it optional.
• Chilled Sparkling Water: A simple, refreshing beverage to complement the rich flavors.

Health Benefits

Enjoying this delicious unstuffed cabbage casserole comes with some wonderful nutritional perks:

• Rich in Protein: Ground beef provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
• Fiber-Packed: Cabbage is an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full.
• Vitamin C Boost: Cabbage and tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, an important antioxidant for immune support.
• Wholesome Grains: Rice offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Nutrient-Dense: Tomatoes contribute lycopene, while onions add various vitamins and minerals.

Storage & Reheating

Enjoy your unstuffed cabbage casserole for days to come with these tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring halfway. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the beef broth by about 1/2 cup and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes, or until the brown rice is tender. Keep an eye on the liquid levels.

Can I make this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute, or you can use water with a beef bouillon cube or a teaspoon of beef base dissolved in it for similar flavor. Readers often ask about suitable alternatives.

My cabbage didn’t get tender enough. What went wrong?

Ensure your cabbage is chopped to a consistent, manageable size. If it still feels too firm, cover the casserole more tightly with foil to trap steam, or add a small amount of extra liquid (like beef broth) and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even mushrooms would make excellent additions. Add them with the onion and cook until tender before adding the tomatoes.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this comforting casserole, you’ll surely enjoy these other hearty and easy recipes:

• Fried Cabbage – A simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that highlights the versatility of cabbage.
• Old-Fashioned Beef Stew – Classic, slow-cooked comfort in a bowl, brimming with tender beef and vegetables.
• One-Pan Tex-Mex Ground Beef Skillet – Quick, flavorful, and easy, this skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish, bringing classic comfort to your table with minimal effort. We hope you and your loved ones cherish every savory bite! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious inspiration.

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