Description
A hearty and comforting casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and gooey melted cheese — a perfect weeknight dinner that’s budget-friendly and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- (Serves 6–8)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then add diced onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer 5 minutes to combine flavors. 💡 Tip: Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.
- Prepare the Cabbage: In a large pot, boil chopped cabbage for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half the cabbage in the baking dish. Add half the beef mixture on top. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
This casserole tastes even better the next day! Reheat leftovers in the oven for best texture. You can also swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg