Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and perfectly cooked rice in one irresistible casserole. This American-style comfort food is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds! Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this Cabbage and Beef Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring it's cooked completely and no pink remains.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef and onion mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to help steam the rice and keep moisture in.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly brown and crisp.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.
Tips
- Drain the beef thoroughly: Remove excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
- Chop cabbage uniformly: Cut cabbage into consistent, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture throughout the dish.
- Don't skip the foil: Covering the casserole helps steam the rice and keeps the dish moist during baking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- Optional flavor boosters: Consider adding garlic, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra depth of flavor.
- Rice tip: If using brown rice, you may need to increase cooking time slightly to ensure it becomes tender.
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to customize the casserole to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
