Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole: A Comforting Family Dish

Dinner was more than food when I was a kid. My grandmother’s cabbage ground beef casserole filled the kitchen with warmth. It was a promise of love and comfort.

This casserole is inspired by cabbage rolls but easier to make. It’s a classic comfort dish that’s simple yet satisfying. It’s about turning basic ingredients into something special.

It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or any time you want a hearty meal. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a way to make a delicious, nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why This One-Pot Casserole Will Become Your Family’s Favorite

Find the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy, affordable, and healthy. This one-pot casserole is quick to make and full of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without much effort.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When you’re short on time, this casserole is a lifesaver. It’s ready in just 40 minutes and feeds 6 people. Here’s how it’s made:

• 15 minutes for braising cabbage
• 15 minutes for cooking rice
• 10 minutes for preparing beef mixture

“Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious!” – Home Cook’s Wisdom

Budget-Friendly Meal Solution

Save money without losing flavor. This casserole uses affordable ingredients like lean ground beef and green cabbage. With just 1.5 pounds of ground beef and a 2-pound head of cabbage, you get a big meal for less.

Healthier Than Traditional Casseroles

This dish is a nutritional winner. It’s not like heavy, creamy casseroles. Each serving gives you:

• 31g of protein
• 6g of dietary fiber
• Only 8g of total fat

It’s a smart choice for families who want a healthy, filling meal. The lean protein, veggies, and portion control make it a great option.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole

Making a tasty beef and cabbage bake begins with picking the right ingredients. Your cabbage casserole will stand out with fresh, quality parts that blend well.

Here are the key ingredients for this tasty dish:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of 85% lean ground beef (15% fat content)
• Cabbage: 1 medium head, roughly chopped (about 1 pound)
• Seasonings:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Additional ingredients:
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes (well-drained)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (about 6 ounces)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)

When making your beef and cabbage bake, focus on quality. Use fresh green cabbage and lean ground beef for the best taste and health benefits. The herbs and spices will make this simple casserole unforgettable.

Pro tip: Drain your tomatoes well to avoid too much moisture in your cabbage casserole.

Each serving of this hearty dish gives you:

• 376 calories
• 22g protein
• 26g fat
• 13g carbohydrates

By choosing and preparing these ingredients well, you’ll make a healthy and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a tasty cabbage ground beef casserole, you need the right kitchen tools. The right equipment makes cooking easier and more fun. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this comforting dish.

Choosing the Right Dutch Oven

A high-quality Dutch oven is key for your ground beef casserole. You want a large 5- to 6-quart pan with a tight lid. This cookware spreads heat evenly and keeps moisture in.

• Recommended size: 5-6 quarts
• Material: Cast iron or enameled cast iron
• Features to look for:
  • Heavy bottom for even heating
  • Tight-fitting lid
  • Oven-safe up to 400°F

Additional Kitchen Essentials

Along with the Dutch oven, you’ll need other important tools for your casserole.

1. Sharp chef’s knife for chopping cabbage
2. Cutting board
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
5. Colander for draining ground beef

Pro tip: Buy quality kitchen tools that will last you a long time. Good tools make cooking quicker and more fun.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a great ground beef casserole needs careful steps and attention. This recipe will help you make a tasty dish your family will enjoy.

1. Prepare the Meat: Heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef (90% lean recommended) and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add 1 cup of chopped onions and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add 8 cups of chopped green cabbage and sliced carrots. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.
3. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in seasonings:
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • ¼ teaspoon oregano
   • 1 teaspoon sugar
   • ¼ teaspoon salt
   • ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
4. Add Liquid Components: Pour in 24 ounces of tomato sauce and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
5. Simmer and Finish: Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This lets the vegetables get tender and the flavors mix well.

Your ground beef casserole is now ready to go into a 9-by-13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro tip: For the best results, use whole carrots instead of baby carrots. Also, choose high-quality lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in your cabbage casserole recipe.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Making the perfect cabbage ground beef casserole is more than just a recipe. Expert techniques can turn your dish from good to great. Here are some tips from professionals to make your casserole stand out.

Selecting and Preparing Cabbage

When picking cabbage for your casserole, look for these traits:

• Select a firm, heavy head with crisp outer leaves
• Avoid cabbage with brown spots or wilted edges
• Opt for fresh green cabbage with vibrant color

Ground Beef Selection and Handling

The quality of ground beef is key to a great casserole. Here are some tips:

• Choose lean ground beef (90% lean) to reduce excess grease
• Drain meat thoroughly after browning
• Season beef before cooking for deeper flavor

Seasoning Secrets

Mastering seasoning is crucial for a memorable casserole. Here are some tips to boost flavor:

“The secret to an amazing casserole is understanding how flavors interact.” – Professional Chef

Great cooking is about technique and passion. These tips will help you make a cabbage ground beef casserole your family will love.

Nutritional Benefits and Values

Your comfort food casserole is not just tasty—it’s also full of nutrients. This cabbage ground beef casserole is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s more than a tasty meal; it’s a healthy choice.

Let’s look at what makes this dish so nutritious:

• High-Quality Protein: Ground beef gives you about 6g of protein per serving
• Low-Carb Option: It has only 10g of carbs per serving
• Fiber-Rich Cabbage: It’s a good source of 2g of dietary fiber
• Essential Vitamins: It’s full of Vitamin C and Vitamin A

This cabbage ground beef casserole is a top choice for a healthy meal. It’s packed with nutrients and is great for those watching their calories.

This casserole is not just nutritious; it also has minerals like potassium and magnesium. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a protein-rich or nutrient-dense dinner.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Your beef and cabbage bake deserves amazing sides to make the meal unforgettable. The casserole is hearty enough on its own. But, adding the right sides can turn your dinner into a feast to remember.

Complementary Side Options

Here are some great side dish choices for your cabbage ground beef casserole:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fluffy white rice
• buttered egg noodles
• Roasted seasonal vegetables
• Fresh garden salad

Garnishing Ideas

Make your beef and cabbage bake look amazing with these garnishing tips:

• Add a dollop of tangy sour cream
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley
• Grate sharp cheddar cheese on top
• Drizzle with hot sauce for extra kick

“A great meal is about creating memories around the table, and these serving suggestions will help you do just that!”

Each serving of your casserole is packed with 340 calories, 21g of protein, and only 18g of fat. It’s a great choice for a filling family dinner.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your ground beef casserole fresh is key. Follow these tips for storing and reheating to enjoy it at its best.

Refrigerator Storage Tips

Leftover ground beef casserole can be stored safely in the fridge. Here’s how to keep it tasting great:

• Use an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid
• Cool the casserole completely before storing
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store for up to 3-4 days

Freezing Your Casserole

Freezing your cabbage casserole is a great way to prep meals ahead. Here’s how to do it right:

• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Label with the date of preparation

Reheating Methods

Reheat your casserole with these methods:

Pro tip: Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to prevent the casserole from drying out.

Safety Precautions

When reheating, make sure the casserole reaches 165°F. Stir it often to heat evenly.

Variations and Customizations

Make your cabbage ground beef casserole your own. It’s easy to change it up to fit your taste and diet. This recipe is great because you can try new things while keeping the comfort of the original.

Here are some fun ways to make your cheesy cabbage casserole different:

• Protein Swaps
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey for less fat
  • Use plant-based meat for a veggie option
  • Try ground chicken for a lighter choice
• Cheese Variations
  • Go for Colby Jack for a classic taste
  • Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang
  • Mild mozzarella is a good choice too
• Additional Mix-Ins
  • Add cooked rice for more filling
  • Quinoa boosts protein
  • Throw in bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies

Change your casserole with the seasons and your taste. Keep the main parts the same but let your creativity run wild.

Changing things up can affect the nutritional profile of your dish. The original has about 434 calories per serving. It’s 46% protein and 46% fat. Changing ingredients might change these numbers a bit.

Pro tip: Start with small changes to keep the essence of your classic cabbage ground beef casserole.

Conclusion

Your journey with this comfort food casserole is just starting. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a meal that changes with your family’s tastes and needs.

This dish is full of lean protein and nutrients from ground beef and cabbage. It’s a great mix of taste and health. Plus, it’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeks.

It’s great for big families or meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for longer. This way, you always have a tasty meal ready.

See this recipe as a tradition that adds warmth and nutrition to your meals. Your family will enjoy the flavors, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to make.