Beef and Cabbage Casserole (Comfort Food Classic)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all your ingredients. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or using cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Prepare the casserole mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, and the cooked ground beef. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture forms the hearty base of the casserole.
4. Assemble the casserole. Pour the beef and cabbage mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring the cabbage and rice are well-distributed.
5. Add the beef broth. Pour the beef broth evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. The broth will help cook the rice and soften the cabbage as it bakes.
6. Bake the casserole. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. The casserole should be bubbling, and the rice should be starting to cook at this point.
7. Stir and continue baking. After 1 hour, remove the foil and stir the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly. Cover the dish again and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
8. Serve. Once the casserole is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or shredded cheese if desired.

Serving Notes

This Beef and Cabbage Casserole is hearty and filling on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a golden, melty layer. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Cook Time: 1 hour 20–30 minutes  |  Total Time: 1 hour 35–45 minutes

Servings: 6  |  Calories: Approx. 350 kcal per serving