Oh, you guys! If there’s one dish that just screams “warm hug in a bowl,” it’s this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes even the chilliest evenings feel cozy. I remember the first time I made this for my family – the whole house filled with this amazing aroma of savory beef, sweet cabbage, and that irresistible cheesy goodness. My kids practically inhaled it! It’s become our go-to on busy weeknights because, honestly, who doesn’t love a hearty, cheesy, and ridiculously easy casserole? It’s pure comfort food perfection, and I can’t wait for you to try it.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to fall in love with:
- Super Easy Prep: Seriously, you can have this assembled and ready for the oven in about 15 minutes. Perfect for those nights when time is short!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of tender beef, soft cabbage, fluffy rice, and that gooey, cheesy sauce is pure happiness. It’s the ideal dish to warm you up from the inside out.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with savory ground beef, wholesome cabbage, and satisfying rice, this casserole is a complete meal that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
- Family Favorite Guaranteed: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Gather Your Ingredients for Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to business! The beauty of this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. But, to get that amazing flavor and texture, a few little details really matter. I always go for a good quality ground beef, like an 80/20 blend, because it has just enough fat to keep things moist and flavorful. And please, use fresh garlic! It makes such a difference.
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, fine grain
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika, sweet
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked white rice, cooled
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Don’t stress too much if you don’t have exactly what’s listed! This recipe is super forgiving. If you can’t find 80/20 ground beef, lean ground beef works, but you might want to add a tiny bit more oil when you brown it. Ground turkey or even Italian sausage are great swaps too, though they’ll change the flavor profile a bit. For the cabbage, I usually just grab a regular green cabbage, but Napa or even savoy would be lovely. If you’re not a fan of Monterey Jack, a Colby or even more cheddar will do the trick! The rice is essential for soaking up all those delicious juices, but leftover cooked egg noodles are a fantastic alternative if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Okay, let’s get this deliciousness into the oven! Making this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is honestly a breeze, especially since the prep time is just about 15 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a piping hot, comforting meal in no time.
Browning the Beef and Aromatics
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grab a nice big skillet and toss in your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. We want to get that beef nice and browned, with the onions softening up and smelling amazing. Keep stirring it around until there’s no pink left! Once it’s all cooked, carefully drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole, right? It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
Creating the Flavorful Sauce
Now for the magic! To that beautiful browned beef mixture, stir in your salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Give it a good mix so all those lovely spices coat everything. Next, pour in the beef broth and the condensed tomato soup. Bring this whole concoction to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes. Stir it now and then – you’ll see it thicken up into this rich, savory sauce that’s just begging to be poured over everything.
Assembling the Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Time to build this masterpiece! Get your 9×13 inch baking dish ready. Pour about half of your wonderful beef and sauce mixture into the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of that shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese right on top. Now, spoon the rest of the beef mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Finally, top it all off with the remaining cheese. Make sure you get a good, even layer of cheese – it’s the best part!
Baking and Resting the Casserole
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for that cheese to be completely melted, bubbly, and maybe even a little golden around the edges. Once it looks perfect, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before you serve it. This little rest helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve without it falling apart. Patience, my friends, it’s worth it!
Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Want to make sure your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is absolutely spot-on every time? A few little tricks really help! Make sure you brown the ground beef well and drain off that excess grease – it keeps the casserole from feeling heavy. Also, don’t skip that simmering step for the sauce; it really melds all those flavors together beautifully. For the ultimate cheesy topping, try to shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make it melt a bit less smoothly. And remember, letting the casserole rest for those few minutes before serving is key to getting those perfect, clean slices!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
This hearty Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing contrast. Some crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce, and a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole has cooled a bit, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or pop a larger serving back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until everything is bubbly and delicious again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Got some burning questions about this incredible Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole? I’ve got you covered!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, minus the final cheese topping, up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, add that last layer of cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting from cold.
Q: What kind of cabbage is best for this casserole?
A: I usually use a standard green cabbage because it’s readily available and has a nice, slightly sweet flavor when cooked. But honestly, Napa cabbage or even savoy cabbage would be delicious too! They tend to be a bit more tender.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: You sure can! This recipe is super flexible. Some folks like to add a can of drained corn, some diced bell peppers (sauté them with the onions!), or even some frozen peas. Just make sure to add them in with the beef mixture so they cook through nicely.
Q: What if I don’t have rice? Can I use something else?
A: Yes! Cooked egg noodles are a fantastic substitute for the rice. You could also use cooked pasta like elbow macaroni or even quinoa if you have it on hand. Just make sure whatever grain or pasta you use is already cooked!
Nutritional Estimate for Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
While every kitchen is a little different, this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole generally comes in around 450 calories per serving. You’re looking at about 25g of protein to keep you full, 25g of carbohydrates for energy, and around 25g of fat, with about 10g of that being saturated. These numbers are just estimates, of course, and can change based on the specific ingredients and brands you use!
Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole: 15-Min Wonder
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Add beef broth and tomato soup. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cooked rice.
- Pour half of the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the beef mixture.
- Top with the remaining beef mixture and the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the rice with cooked egg noodles.
- Add a layer of sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesy cabbage beef casserole, beef casserole, cabbage casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipe, comfort food