Cabbage Casserole: 5 Comforting Ways to Savor This Dish

Let me tell you, there’s just something so comforting about a warm, hearty Cabbage Casserole bubbling away in the oven! This dish has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. My grandmother used to whip it up whenever we had a big family gathering, filling the house with the most incredible aromas. It’s packed with flavor and so satisfying, making it perfect for any meal—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch. The combination of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and cheesy goodness creates a delightful harmony of tastes and textures that you won’t forget. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine!

Ingredients List

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Cabbage Casserole

Preheat the Oven

First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven means your Cabbage Casserole will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection!

Cook the Beef and Onion

Now, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks so that it browns evenly. This step adds such a lovely depth of flavor to your dish!

Add Cabbage and Other Ingredients

Once your beef and onion are ready, it’s time to bring in the star of the show! Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, just until it starts getting tender. Then, mix in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Next, carefully transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread it out—you want every bite to have that amazing combination of flavors!

Bake and Serve

Now for the best part! Top your casserole with the shredded cheese and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that gorgeous golden cheese on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy one-dish meal that comes together in just 45 minutes!
• Flavor-packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and gooey melted cheese.
• Perfectly customizable—add in your favorite veggies or swap out the beef for a vegetarian option!
• Great for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Healthy comfort food that’s filling without being heavy, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.

Tips for Success

To make your Cabbage Casserole truly shine, here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning; a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs can elevate the flavor even more—trust me, it makes a difference! If you like a little kick, throw in some red pepper flakes for an extra layer of warmth.

Also, consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or carrots to sneak in some extra nutrients and color. If you’re going for the vegetarian route, lentils or mushrooms work beautifully in place of beef. And remember, letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven helps it set up nicely, making serving easier and more delicious!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your Cabbage Casserole, it’s always good to have an idea of what you’re eating! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Typically, a serving size of about 1 cup contains:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Remember, these values can change depending on the choices you make—like using low-fat cheese or adding more veggies. So, feel free to adjust it to suit your dietary needs while still enjoying every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make this Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What if I don’t have ground beef?
No problem at all! You can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled mushrooms. Each option will give your Cabbage Casserole a unique twist while keeping it delicious!

Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love—bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini would be fantastic additions. Just chop them up and add them alongside the cabbage for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I know when my casserole is done baking?
Your Cabbage Casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, with a lovely golden color. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a food thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure everything is heated through.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of your delicious Cabbage Casserole is super easy and a great way to enjoy this meal again! Once your casserole has cooled down to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This will help keep all that wonderful flavor locked in. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the casserole! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in again, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight to thaw.

For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If it’s frozen, let it thaw completely in the fridge first. Then, place the casserole in the oven covered with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 20–30 minutes or until it’s warmed through and the cheese is melty again. You can uncover it for the last 5–10 minutes to get that lovely bubbling cheese on top! Enjoy every comforting bite just like the first time!

Print