Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, tomato sauce, and rice, all baked to perfection with a melted cheese topping. This one-dish casserole is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 medium head green cabbage, outer leaves discarded and chopped into 1½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
Liquids & Staples
- 1 (32-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
Cheese
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside for later use.
- Cook ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and transfer beef to a plate, setting it aside.
- Sauté aromatics and seasonings: Return the skillet to medium heat, add olive oil, diced onion, and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 30-60 seconds to release aromas.
- Cook cabbage and simmer: Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, stir well, increase heat to high to bring to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients in baking dish: Pour the tomato and cabbage mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Add the uncooked rice and browned ground beef, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the rice and meld flavors.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove foil, fluff casserole gently with a fork, then sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake an additional 10-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein options.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Rinsing rice removes excess starch for fluffier results.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Experiment with different cheeses to match your taste or what you have on hand.
Keywords: cheesy stuffed cabbage bake, cabbage casserole, ground beef cabbage bake, baked cabbage recipe, cheesy casserole, comfort food