Description
This Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring ground beef, tender cabbage, and rice baked in a savory tomato and beef broth sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, bubbling bake that is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 (32-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a large 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 with a wooden spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess grease, then transfer beef to a plate or bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Seasonings: Return skillet to medium heat, add olive oil. Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring for 30-60 seconds to release aromas.
- Cook Cabbage and Combine with Sauce: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and beef broth, stir well. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour tomato and cabbage mixture into prepared baking dish. Add uncooked rinsed rice and browned ground beef. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover casserole tightly with foil and bake in 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. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Return uncovered to oven and bake 10-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and rice fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, 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 other seasonings.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner protein option.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt content.
- Rinse rice well before adding to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
- Leftovers refrigerate well up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack to vary flavor.
Keywords: Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake, Cabbage Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe