Description
Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this Budget Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole! A hearty blend of seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice all baked in a rich tomato sauce, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. It’s affordable, filling, and gluten-free by default. Whether you’re looking for cozy dinner ideas, an easy casserole recipe, or satisfying food ideas that stretch your dollar, this dish delivers. Great for leftovers and family-friendly, it’s one of those quick dinner winners you’ll want to keep in rotation.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 5–6 cups)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Chopped parsley or fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until onions are translucent.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in uncooked rice.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage, then half the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining cabbage and beef mixture.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Uncover and, if using cheese, sprinkle on top. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until melted.
8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
For best texture, use long-grain white rice—not instant or quick-cooking rice.
Chop cabbage into small, even pieces so it cooks evenly throughout.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g