Baked Cabbage, Beef & Rice Casserole
This Baked Cabbage, Beef & Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal made with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce. Everything bakes together in one dish, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully into a delicious family-friendly dinner.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prep, this casserole delivers the comforting taste of homemade stuffed cabbage rolls without all the extra work.
Ingredients
– 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the tough outer leaves, wash the cabbage, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add the seasonings: Stir in the garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Prepare the sauce: Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine the ingredients: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add the chopped cabbage, followed by the seasoned beef and tomato mixture. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly, making sure the rice is covered with liquid.
7. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. Check near the end of cooking and add a little hot broth if the mixture looks too dry.
8. Add the cheese: If desired, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
9. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and makes serving easier.
Helpful Tips
– Chop the cabbage into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
– Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
– Keep the baking dish tightly covered to help the rice cook properly.
– Make sure there is enough liquid to cover the rice before baking.
– If the rice is still firm, add a splash of hot broth, cover again, and continue baking.
– Let the casserole rest before serving for the best texture.
Easy Variations
– Cheesy version: Add mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack on top.
– Ground turkey: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
– Extra vegetables: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
– Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a little chili powder.
– Brown rice: Use brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid according to the rice package directions.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is filling enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
– Fresh green salad
– Garlic bread or crusty bread
– Steamed green beans
– Roasted carrots
– A spoonful of sour cream or fresh parsley
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Rice and cabbage may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven, covered, at 325°F (165°C). Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the casserole moist. Reheat until steaming hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover cooked rice?
Yes. Use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice, but reduce the broth and shorten the baking time. Add the cooked rice during the mixing stage.
Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
No. The chopped cabbage softens while baking in the tomato and beef mixture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can brown the beef and prepare the cabbage and sauce ahead. For the best rice texture, combine everything shortly before baking.
How do I know when it’s ready?
The cabbage should be tender, the rice fully cooked, and the casserole bubbling around the edges. The beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Printable Recipe Card
Recipe: Baked Cabbage, Beef & Rice Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, onion, and garlic.
Instructions: Brown the beef with onion and seasonings. Mix with the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Layer with uncooked rice and chopped cabbage in a baking dish. Cover and bake until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. Add cheese if desired, rest, and serve.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cabbage, Beef & Rice Casserole is a simple, satisfying meal packed with comforting flavors. With tender cabbage, savory beef, hearty rice, and rich tomato sauce, it brings all the goodness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into an easy one-pan dinner. It’s delicious, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing with family!