Easy 7-Ingredient Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

I have a confession: cabbage was never my go-to veggie. As a kid, I thought it was something only Grandma could love. (Sorry, Grandma.) But then life handed me three kids, a dog with a sensitive stomach, and a budget that laughed in the face of gourmet meal kits. And suddenly—cheesy cabbage beef casserole came into my life like a warm hug on a cold Monday night.

This dish is everything I crave in a one-pan wonder. Ground beef gets cozy with sweet sautéed cabbage, a hint of garlic, and tender rice, all swimming in a savory tomato broth. Oh, and the cheddar cheese—let’s not forget that dreamy cheddar blanket that bakes into golden perfection.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stretching your leftovers (been there), this casserole hits the sweet spot between comfort food and practical pantry magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

• Budget-Friendly: Uses humble ingredients you probably already have.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters mysteriously love it.
• Easy Clean-Up: One skillet, one baking dish, zero drama.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make now, freeze for later—it reheats beautifully.
• Total Comfort Food: Cheesy, beefy, cozy vibes all the way.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the oven get nice and toasty while you prep.
2. Cook Beef & Aromatics:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain off any extra fat (unless you’re team flavor, then maybe keep a smidge).
3. Add Cabbage:
   Toss in the chopped cabbage and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it starts to soften and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
4. Combine & Simmer:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes to mingle.
5. Assemble Casserole:
   Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Then pour the beef broth evenly over the top.
6. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle on that glorious cheddar—generously and with gusto.
7. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Cabbage Casserole

• Chop cabbage small so it softens faster and melds better with the beef and rice.
• Don’t skip the beef broth—it keeps the casserole juicy, not dry.
• If you’re out of Italian seasoning, try a mix of dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of thyme.
• Want extra richness? Add a splash of heavy cream before baking. You’re welcome.

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Bake It With the Littles

This casserole is perfect for little kitchen helpers:

• Let them sprinkle cheese on top—mine call it “cheese rain.”
• Give them a butter knife to “cut” the cabbage (great for motor skills).
• They’ll love scooping rice into the mix and stirring everything together.

It’s a simple way to bond, and who knows, they might actually eat what they helped make. Win-win!

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Meal-Prep Magic

Cheesy cabbage beef casserole is a make-ahead dream:

• Assemble the whole thing in the morning and refrigerate.
• At dinnertime, just bake as directed—add 5 extra minutes if cold.
• Leftovers stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Want to freeze it? Let it cool, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat covered in the oven or zap single portions in the microwave.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber
• Reduced-fat cheddar (but splurge on the good stuff for flavor!)
• Toss in some extra veggies—like bell peppers or spinach—for bonus nutrients

If you’re curious about reducing red meat, check out Allrecipes’ ground turkey substitution guide

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Leftover Remix

So you made a double batch (smart move). Here’s how to reinvent leftovers:

• Stuffed Peppers: Scoop into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake.
• Hearty Soup Starter: Add broth and turn it into a rustic cabbage stew.
• Savory Breakfast Hash: Toss with scrambled eggs and call it brunch.

Leftovers never looked so good.

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Gift It Like a Pro

This casserole makes a thoughtful meal for new moms, friends recovering from surgery, or anyone in need of comfort:

• Bake it in a disposable pan for easy clean-up.
• Include a little note with reheating instructions.
• Pair it with a loaf of crusty bread or a side salad.

It’s the kind of love you can taste.

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FAQs

Can I make this without rice?
Yes! Just skip it or swap with cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb.

What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is a classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be fun twists.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking—it holds up beautifully.

Is this spicy?
Not at all. But you can add crushed red pepper if you like a kick.

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Final Thought

This cheesy cabbage beef casserole is one of those recipes that sneaks its way into your regular rotation without fanfare—until one night, your partner says, “You should make that cabbage thing again.” And just like that, it becomes comfort food legend in your house.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for something hearty and easy, this dish is your weeknight hero. If you loved this, you might also enjoy my hearty beef and rice skillet or the ever-popular stuffed pepper casserole—both winners in the busy mom’s dinner playbook.

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