Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Here’s a recipe for a Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, cabbage, tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Great for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Ingredients

For the beef mixture:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (can substitute with turkey or plant-based)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano

For the cabbage layer:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6–8 cups)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato sauce layer:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)

• ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• ½ tsp garlic powder or more fresh garlic

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or more for topping)

• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef:

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.

   • Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

   • Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

   • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Cabbage:

   • In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until slightly tender (about 8–10 minutes). It will shrink in volume as it cooks.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • In the prepared baking dish:

     1. Spread half the cabbage on the bottom.

     2. Spoon half the meat sauce over the cabbage.

     3. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella.

     4. Repeat with the rest of the cabbage, then meat sauce, then remaining cheeses.

5. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   • Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Let It Rest:

   • Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (mix into beef layer for a more filling dish)

• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish