Layer Casserole Pan with Cabbage,

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Layer Casserole Pan with Cabbage, But Wait Until This Magic Mixture Comes On Top – A Hearty, One-Pan Comfort Food Classic

If you’re searching for a comfort food casserole that’s easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this cabbage and beef casserole is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. The key to its magic? A deeply savory beef and tomato mixture layered over fresh, shredded cabbage and uncooked rice—all baked together in one pan until bubbling and golden.

This isn’t just another casserole—it’s a satisfying, budget-friendly, one-dish wonder that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s bold, flavorful, and supremely comforting. Let’s walk through exactly how to make this old-school, belly-warming favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Casserole

  • One dish, minimal cleanup
  • No need to pre-cook the rice
  • Feeds 8 people generously
  • Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly
  • Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cabbage casserole uses classic pantry and fridge staples to create a meal that feels both hearty and homemade:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp pre-minced)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 head green cabbage, shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp coarse ground pepper, divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp pepper, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage and Rice Layer

In a large casserole dish (9×13-inch recommended), spread the shredded cabbage evenly to form the bottom layer. Sprinkle the uncooked white rice over the cabbage.

This layering may seem simple, but it’s crucial: the rice absorbs flavor from the cabbage and the meat mixture, cooking to tender perfection in the oven.

Step 3: Add the Magic Mixture on Top

Pour the hot beef and tomato sauce mixture directly over the cabbage and rice layers. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Don’t mix! The layering allows the rice to absorb the juices while the cabbage softens from the steam and flavors above.

Step 4: Pour Broth and Season

Carefully pour the beef broth over the entire dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tsp pepper over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to trap in moisture and flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

After baking, remove the foil and let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and ensures no liquid pools at the bottom.

What to Serve with Cabbage Casserole

This dish is filling enough to stand alone, but if you’d like to round out the meal, serve it with:

  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls
  • A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
  • Sautéed green beans or roasted carrots

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t pre-cook the rice – the broth and tomato mixture will steam it perfectly in the oven.
  • Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
  • For added flavor, mix in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
  • Want a little kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the tomato beef layer.

Variations to Try

  • Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef
  • Replace white rice with brown rice (increase baking time by 10–15 minutes)
  • Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking
  • Mix in chopped bell peppers or carrots with the cabbage layer

Nutritional Highlights

This dish is more than just comforting—it’s also:

  • Rich in protein
  • Packed with fiber from cabbage
  • Budget-friendly and ideal for large families
  • A smart way to use affordable ingredients without sacrificing taste

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes and ensure there’s enough broth.

Q: Does the cabbage need to be pre-cooked?
A: No. The long baking time softens it beautifully.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Swap the beef for cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Q: What kind of cabbage is best?
A: Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy or napa cabbage also work for a slightly softer texture.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Cabbage Casserole You’ll Make Again and Again

This old-fashioned cabbage and ground beef casserole is everything a family meal should be—filling, affordable, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep and the magic of layering uncooked rice and cabbage, you get a one-pan wonder that feels like home with every bite.

From weeknight dinners to Sunday suppers, this dish is one you’ll turn to whenever you need a comforting classic. Simple ingredients, spectacular results.

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