Description
This comforting casserole combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s a hearty, budget-friendly meal that transforms an underappreciated vegetable into a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and roughly chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Core and chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces.
- Boil cabbage in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and press out excess moisture.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and brown completely, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half the cabbage, half the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining cabbage and beef.
- Top with shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set layers and retain moisture.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. Pre-shredded cabbage or fire-roasted tomatoes can be used for convenience and flavor. Letting the dish rest ensures clean slices and deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg