If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that brings together homestyle heartiness and crowd-pleasing flavors, this Cabbage Casserole should absolutely be on your dinner docket. A glorious medley of tender cabbage, savory beef, aromatic tomato sauce, and a glorious blanket of gooey cheeses, it ticks all the boxes for a weeknight staple—filling, flavorful, and just a little bit nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want delicious leftovers, this Cabbage Casserole is destined to become a favorite in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cabbage Casserole is in its humble ingredients—all easy to find, but each essential to creating that perfect, balanced bite. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each item matters.

Cabbage: One medium head, chopped—this forms the hearty, slightly sweet foundation for the whole casserole.
Ground beef: A full pound brings rich, filling protein and savoriness; you can swap in turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Yellow onion: Adds gentle sweetness and a classic aroma, building up the base flavor of the dish.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, for an unmistakable aromatic kick that rounds out the flavors.
Canned diced tomatoes: Juice included, here for natural acidity and chunky texture.
Tomato sauce: This unites everything and gives the casserole its comforting, saucy finish.
Dried oregano: A half teaspoon infuses warmth and a hint of earthiness.
Paprika: Just enough to add depth and subtle smokiness without overpowering.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
Black pepper: A pinch adds gentle heat and complexity.
Cooked white rice: This soaks up juices and gives the casserole its signature texture—leftover rice works great!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers that crave-able melt and sharp flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For stretchy, cheesy goodness on top.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to help brown the beef and soften the veggies.

How to Make Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef

Set your oven to preheat at 375°F and grab your largest skillet. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add the ground beef and break it up as it browns. You want those flavorful browned bits, so don’t rush this part. Once the beef is almost done, toss in diced onion and continue cooking until the onion starts to soften and looks almost translucent. Now add the minced garlic—let it cook just until fragrant, about a minute, for that irresistible base.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes—don’t drain them, the juice is crucial! Add the tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let the mixture bubble gently. A short 5–7 minute simmer pulls the flavors together and thickens things just enough. At the end, stir in the cooked white rice. This not only bulks up the filling but also absorbs the tasty juices.

Step 3: Layer Everything into the Baking Dish

Now for the assembly! In a large baking dish, start with a layer of half the chopped cabbage. Spoon on half the beef and rice sauce mixture, spreading it out for even coverage. Repeat with the rest of the cabbage and top with the remaining beef mixture. This simple layering is where the cabbage softens and bathes in all those savory juices as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil—this steams the cabbage and marries the flavors. Bake for 40 minutes. The kitchen smells amazing, doesn’t it? After that, remove the foil and sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes so the cheese melts and bubbles into golden deliciousness. Let it stand for about 5 minutes to set before diving in.

How to Serve Cabbage Casserole

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley or dill right before serving can brighten up your Cabbage Casserole and add a pop of color. If you’re a fan of a little tang, a dollop of sour cream makes a luxuriously creamy partner for each bite. For spice lovers, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a simple upgrade.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a main, but it also loves company! Try it with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up all the juices, or serve with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. Roasted carrots or steamed green beans also pair beautifully and add color to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Your Cabbage Casserole doesn’t have to be limited to one-pan servings. Spoon portions into individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties. Or, stack up leftovers in a thermos for a cozy, portable lunch. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish each square with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a dramatic finishing look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cabbage Casserole has cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors get even better overnight, and it’ll stay fresh for up to four days. Be sure to let the casserole fully cool before sealing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

This dish is a dream for meal preppers—freeze portions for up to three months! Wrap slices tightly in foil, then store the bundles in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and even reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion of Cabbage Casserole in the microwave, covered loosely with a damp paper towel, for a couple minutes. For bigger portions, use the oven: cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, sprinkle on a touch more tomato sauce or broth before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, just extend the baking time by an extra 10–15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

What meat substitutions work well?

Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic lighter options. For a vegetarian version, swap in sautéed mushrooms and crumbled firm tofu for hearty, satisfying results.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nutty flavor and a bit more chew. Make sure it’s cooked before adding to the filling for best results.

Do I have to pre-cook the cabbage?

No need, but if you love extra-tender cabbage, you can steam or boil it for a few minutes before layering. This step can make the layers melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Is Cabbage Casserole gluten free?

Yes! As long as you’re using gluten free rice and double-check your canned products, this casserole fits wonderfully into a gluten free diet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a bubbling pan of Cabbage Casserole at the table—it’s a recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort in every cheesy, savory bite. Give it a try and watch it become a weeknight hero and a household favorite!

Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and comforting Cabbage Casserole is a delicious one-dish meal that combines tender cabbage with flavorful ground beef, rice, and gooey cheeses, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 medium head green cabbage (chopped)
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, then garlic.
Add seasonings: Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Combine with rice: Mix in cooked rice.
Layer in baking dish: Alternate layers of cabbage and beef mixture.
Bake: Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Top with cheeses and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.