Description
This Ultimate Cabbage Hamburger Casserole is a hearty and cozy dish perfect for comforting dinners. Combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, rice, and savory seasonings, it’s baked to perfection for tender cabbage and a rich, flavorful filling. Ideal for meal prep or family meals, this casserole offers a balanced and nourishing option that can be easily customized with different types of meat or plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Ground Beef (or ground turkey or plant-based meat)
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 medium Carrots, diced
- 1 medium Cabbage, diced
- 0.5 cup Jasmine Rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (can use low-sodium options)
- 1.5 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable/chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Mixture: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add jasmine rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Add Cabbage: Fold the diced cabbage into the mixture until evenly incorporated, ensuring the cabbage is distributed throughout the casserole.
- Assemble in Baking Pan: Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the beef broth over the top to keep the casserole moist and flavorful during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and rice to cook.
- Stir and Add Vegetables: Remove the foil carefully, gently stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients, and optionally add extra vegetables if desired for more variety.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the top is slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes after baking to set. Optionally, top with cheese before serving for added richness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to jasmine rice.
- Using low-sodium broth and diced tomatoes helps control the salt content.
- Adding cheese after baking is optional but enhances flavor and creaminess.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated easily.
