Description
This Ultimate Cabbage Hamburger Casserole is the perfect cozy dinner recipe, combining ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato flavors topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Ingredients
- 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 Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, to develop their flavors.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This step ensures the meat is evenly cooked and crumbly.
- 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 slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Rice (Optional): If using cooked rice, stir it into the mixture now to add heartiness to the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden hue.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the simmering mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version of this casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Feel free to use either canned or fresh diced tomatoes based on availability.
