Cheesy Cabbage Beef Bake

This hearty cheesy cabbage beef casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, family-friendly meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The layers of savory beef, tender cabbage, and melty cheese create a satisfying dish that delivers both nutrition and flavor in every bite.

I created this recipe during a particularly busy month when I needed something that would feed my family for multiple meals. My youngest, who typically avoids vegetables at all costs, requested seconds and asked for it in her lunchbox the next day.

Ingredients

• Medium cabbage: the star of this dish provides a tender yet slightly firm texture that holds up well to baking
• Onion and garlic: these aromatics create the flavor foundation for the entire casserole
• Ground beef: provides hearty protein and savory depth look for 85% lean for best flavor balance
• Diced tomatoes: adds moisture and tanginess use fire roasted for extra flavor
• Cooked white rice: creates a satisfying base that soaks up the delicious flavors
• Italian seasoning: a convenient blend that adds herbal notes without needing multiple spice jars
• Beef broth: creates steam for cooking the cabbage while adding rich flavor
• Cheddar cheese: forms a golden crust that makes this casserole irresistible choose sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor

How To Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Prepare the oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and give it adequate time to reach temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole. Use this preheating time to chop your vegetables and prepare other ingredients.

Brown the beef mixture:

Cook the ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat until the meat is completely browned and the onions turn translucent. This process usually takes about 8 minutes. Be sure to break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks for the best texture in the final dish. Draining excess fat prevents a greasy casserole.

Cook the cabbage:

Add chopped cabbage directly to the beef mixture and cook until it begins to wilt and soften. The cabbage will reduce in volume significantly as it cooks down. Avoid overcooking at this stage as it will continue to soften in the oven.

Combine all ingredients:

Add tomatoes, rice, and seasonings to create a well balanced mixture. Allow everything to simmer briefly so the flavors begin to meld together. The rice will continue absorbing flavors during baking, so this step ensures every grain is seasoned.

Assemble the casserole:

Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Pour the beef broth over the top, which will create steam during baking to help tenderize the cabbage and prevent the casserole from drying out.

Add the cheese topping:

Spread shredded cheese in an even layer across the entire surface. The cheese will form a golden, bubbly crust that seals in moisture and adds incredible flavor.

Bake in stages:

Cover with foil for the first portion of baking to trap steam and cook everything thoroughly. Removing the foil for the final cooking time allows the cheese to achieve that perfect golden brown color and slightly crispy texture.

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My favorite part of this recipe is how the cabbage transforms during baking. Many people who claim to dislike cabbage have completely changed their minds after trying this casserole. The first time I served this to my brother in law, a notorious vegetable avoider, he asked for the recipe before dinner was even over.

Make Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time to account for the chilled ingredients. The flavors actually benefit from this rest time, making it taste even better.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground turkey works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option. Brown rice can replace white rice for added fiber and nutrition. For a lower carb version, consider replacing the rice with riced cauliflower. The cheese is also flexible try a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella for a more stringy, melty top, or add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor dimension.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. If you're looking to stretch the meal further, a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots complements the flavors nicely without competing with the main dish.

Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. For best texture, reheat larger portions in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes. This casserole also freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the substitution.

→ How can I make this bake spicier?

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick. Alternatively, use a spicy cheddar cheese for the topping.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge.

→ What side dishes pair well with this bake?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.

→ Can I freeze this bake for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 175°C (350°F) until heated through.