Description
A hearty and comforting casserole combining tender ground beef with sautéed cabbage and savory herbs, baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage begins to soften, about 7-8 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cheese is optional; the casserole is delicious with or without it.
Can substitute mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for variation.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño for a spicy kick.
For a lower-carb version, omit tomatoes and add extra cabbage or mushrooms.
Can replace beef broth with red wine for richer flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezes well; thaw overnight before reheating.
To make vegetarian, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
Fresh cabbage is best, but frozen cabbage can be used if thawed and drained well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes stovetop + 25-30 minutes baking
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg