Description
This Ultimate Cabbage Hamburger Casserole is a delicious and hearty one-dish meal perfect for cozy dinners. Featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and rich spices, it’s topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting finish. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s an ideal family-friendly dish that blends classic American flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, which will build a flavorful base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking and no large chunks remain.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage softens and the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Rice (if using): If you prefer, stir in 1/2 cup cooked rice to add some extra texture and heartiness to the casserole.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up slightly.
- Substitute ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version that reduces fat content.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve for convenience.
