Description
A comforting and hearty Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This classic casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shredded cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it just begins to soften. Drain the cabbage thoroughly and set aside to remove excess moisture.
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Flavor the beef: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors and heat through. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked cabbage first, then spread the beef mixture evenly on top. If using cooked rice, sprinkle it over the beef layer to add texture and extend the dish.
- Add toppings: Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this classic Southern comfort food.
Notes
- To reduce carbs, omit the rice or substitute with cauliflower rice.
- For a gluten free option, use gluten free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
