Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love? Enter the Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole—the ultimate answer to busy weeknights. Filling, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting, this casserole combines simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent while remaining easy on your wallet. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal go-to dish for parents juggling packed schedules or anyone craving a taste of home-cooked comfort.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to whip up this crowd-pleaser, from ingredients and substitutions to step-by-step instructions. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole is its simplicity. You probably already have most of the following ingredients in your kitchen. If not, I’ve included some substitution ideas to make it even easier!

Essential Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
- - Substitute: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
1 medium head of cabbage (about 6 cups, chopped)
- - Pro Tip: Pre-shredded cabbage can be a helpful shortcut!
1 medium onion, diced
- - Substitute: Shallots or leeks work well, too.
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with liquid)
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- - Substitute: Swap tomato paste and diced tomatoes for store-bought marinara sauce to save time.
1 cup cooked rice
- - Substitute: Use quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- - Substitute: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend work great!
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ons

Crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for garnish
Breadcrumbs for a crispy topping

With such versatile ingredients, you can tailor this recipe to match your fridge staples and personal preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring this casserole to life. It’s beginner-friendly yet so satisfying, you’ll feel like a pro chef by the end!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center.
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, removing the tough core, and set aside. Dice your onions finely for even cooking and mince the garlic cloves for a fragrant flavor boost. If you’re using pre-cooked rice, have it ready in a bowl. For uncooked rice, cook it beforehand according to package instructions and set aside.
Gather all your other ingredients, including diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices, to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid an overly oily casserole.
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (including their liquid), tomato paste for richness, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a savory, hearty filling. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 3: Layer the Cabbage and Beef

Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring a solid base layer.
Add half of the beef mixture over the cabbage, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Follow this with a layer of cooked rice, distributing it in an even layer to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors and textures.
Repeat the layering process: add the remaining cabbage, the rest of the beef mixture, and finish with another layer of cooked rice. Press down gently to compact the layers slightly, ensuring everything fits snugly in the dish.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps soften the cabbage and meld the flavors together beautifully.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. During this time, the cabbage will tenderize, absorbing the delicious juices from the beef and tomato mixture.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and take off the foil (use caution, as the steam will be hot).
Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the entire surface for a gooey, cheesy topping.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you prefer a crispy, golden cheese topping, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the layers to settle and make serving easier.
Use a spatula to dish out generous portions, and serve hot. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with family or friends, and savor every bite! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—simply reheat and enjoy again!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Casserole

Layer with love: Take your time to carefully layer the cabbage and beef evenly throughout the dish to ensure a consistent balance of flavor in every bite. This step is key to creating a casserole where every forkful is packed with deliciousness.
Rice alternative: If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, swap out rice for riced cauliflower or skip it altogether. Riced cauliflower provides a similar texture without the carbs and blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Make-ahead magic: Save time during busy days by assembling the casserole ahead of time. Simply layer all your ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven for an effortless, home-cooked meal—perfect for meal prep or hosting guests!
Extra texture: Want to take things up a notch? Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking. This adds a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the tender layers beneath.
Leftover savvy: This casserole only gets better with time as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for a quick, comforting meal later. Simply reheat and enjoy!

What to Serve With Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is hearty, but pairing it with the right side dish can make your meal even more memorable. Here are a few ideas to try out with it!

Classic Pairings

Garlic Bread
Simple Green Salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Steamed Vegetables like broccoli or green beans

Indulgent Additions

Mashed Potatoes or scalloped potatoes for extra comfort
Roasted Vegetables (like carrots, Brussel sprouts, or sweet potatoes)

Light and Fresh Options

Cucumber Yogurt Dip or tzatziki as a cool contrast
Pickled Vegetables for a tangy bite to balance the richness

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional profile (based on 1 serving out of 6):

Calories: ~320
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 15g

The nutritional content will depend on ingredient substitutions, add-ons, and serving size.

A Meal to Remember

The Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s a surefire way to bring comfort and joy to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, looking for an affordable meal prep solution, or simply craving something hearty and homey, this casserole hits the mark every time.

Once you’ve tried it, don’t forget to share your experience or tweaks! We’d love to see your version—tag us on social media or drop a comment below with your tips.

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Your kitchen awaits!

Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe