Description
Cabbage casserole brings warm memories of family dinners straight to your table, with layers of tender cabbage and hearty ingredients that make comfort eating deliciously satisfying. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this simple dish turns ordinary ingredients into a memorable meal everyone will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large head of cabbage, about 2–3 pounds
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Core and shred 1 large cabbage head using a knife or food processor. Aim for uniform, thin strips that will cook evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat at 350F. Sauté 1 chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, releasing their aromatic oils without burning.
- Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break meat into small crumbles and cook for 8-10 minutes at medium-high heat until completely browned.
- Pour 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, and 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes into the skillet. Stir thoroughly.
- Mix in 1 cup cooked rice, 1 teaspoon each of oregano and basil, ½ teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Simmer sauce mixture on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Create first layer by spreading ⅓ of meat sauce across bottom of baking dish.
- Layer half the shredded cabbage over meat sauce, creating an even distribution.
- Sprinkle ½ cup cheddar and ¼ cup mozzarella cheese over cabbage.
- Repeat layering: another ⅓ meat sauce, remaining cabbage, and another ½ cup cheddar and ¼ cup mozzarella.
- Top with remaining meat sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350F for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
- Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for bright color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Always choose fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor in your casserole.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the dish soggy.
- For a lower-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or skip grains entirely.
- Season the cabbage layers with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 7 minutes - 1 hour 22 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 642 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg