This Beef cabbage casserole is the ultimate comfort food made from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients. Layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice bake together in a rich tomato sauce for a truly hearty dinner recipe. It’s ready in about ninety minutes, makes a complete one pot meal, and is perfect for feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight.

I first fell for this style of layered, comforting dish while traveling through Eastern Europe, where humble ingredients like cabbage and beef are transformed into something truly magical. The way the cabbage softens and sweetens as it bakes, melding with the savory tomato-infused meat, creates a symphony of flavor that feels both rustic and refined. This easy cabbage recipe has become my go-to for casual Sunday suppers, especially when paired with a simple side like my creamy corn casserole. For a heartier meal, it’s wonderful alongside a dish of my garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf. There’s a beautiful simplicity to this ground beef casserole that always brings everyone to the table with happy anticipation.

What Makes This Casserole a Family Favorite

Hearty & Satisfying: The combination of protein, vegetables, and rice creates a complete one pot meal that truly satisfies.
Easy Weeknight Solution: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this is an easy cabbage recipe perfect for busy days.
Comfort Food Classic: This comfort food casserole delivers the warm, familiar flavors everyone craves.
Budget-Friendly Feast: Economical ingredients like cabbage and ground beef make this a smart choice for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Beef Cabbage Casserole

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Ground Beef (80/20 lean): This ratio provides ideal flavor and moisture for your ground beef casserole.
Green Cabbage: Look for a firm, heavy head with crisp outer leaves for the best texture.
Long-Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice absorbs the delicious sauces as it bakes, becoming perfectly tender.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These form the rich, savory base of the casserole.
Yellow Onion & Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, they build a deep flavor foundation.
Worcestershire Sauce & Brown Sugar: This duo adds a subtle depth and a touch of balancing sweetness.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth gives you control over the final seasoning of your hearty dinner recipe.

Beef Cabbage Casserole

This delicious beef cabbage casserole combines ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage in a rich tomato sauce. A comforting one-dish dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for family meals.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 55

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
knife
measuring spoons
measuring cups
cutting board
9×13-inch baking dish
Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet
spatula or spoon
oven
aluminum foil

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20 lean
1 large yellow onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes undrained
1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
0.5 cup low-sodium beef broth
0.5 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
1 medium head green cabbage cored and thinly sliced, about 2 pounds

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Core the medium head of green cabbage and slice it thinly into ribbons, approximately 1/4 inch thick, then set aside.
In a large Dutch oven or a deep, oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 pounds of ground beef and the finely chopped yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, which typically takes 8 to 10 minutes. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Pour in the 28-ounce can of undrained diced tomatoes, the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 0.5 cup of low-sodium beef broth, 0.5 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar. Stir all ingredients well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to begin absorbing liquid.
Spread about one-third of the thinly sliced cabbage evenly over the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over this first layer of cabbage.
Repeat the layering process: Add another one-third of the sliced cabbage, followed by the remaining half of the meat and rice mixture.
Finish by spreading the final one-third of the cabbage evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the casserole is bubbling hot around the edges. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to scoop.

Keyword beef, cabbage, casserole, one-dish

Creative Twists on a Classic

Cheesy Top Version: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for some heat.
Different Protein: Substitute ground turkey or a plant-based crumble for a lighter alternative.

My Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

Slice Cabbage Evenly: Aim for uniform 1/4-inch slices so all the cabbage cooks at the same rate.
Drain Excess Grease: After browning the beef, take a moment to drain the pot for a less greasy final dish.
Let It Rest: The 10-15 minute rest after baking is crucial for the casserole to set and the flavors to fully meld.
Test for Doneness: The cabbage should be very tender, and the rice should have absorbed the liquid. If you love this method, you might also enjoy the technique in my stuffed bell peppers.

How to Store and Reheat Your Casserole

Store: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the entire casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. For more make-ahead ideas, check out my breakfast casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of rice in beef cabbage casserole?

I recommend sticking with long-grain white rice for the best results, as its cooking time aligns perfectly with the cabbage. If you use instant rice, it will become mushy. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, which would overcook the other ingredients.

Do you have to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?

No, that’s the beauty of this one pot meal. The uncooked rice is added directly to the sauce, where it absorbs the flavorful liquid and cooks tender as the casserole bakes. This method infuses the rice with incredible taste.

What can I serve with beef and cabbage casserole?

This hearty dinner recipe is quite substantial on its own. A simple green salad or some crusty bread is often all you need. For another cozy pairing, try it with a side of my sweet potato casserole for a true comfort food feast.

How do you know when the cabbage casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the cabbage layers are very tender when pierced with a fork, the rice has absorbed the liquid, and the top is lightly browned and bubbly around the edges. The resting time is key for the perfect final texture.

More Hearty Dinner Recipes to Try

Why This Beef Cabbage Casserole Will Become a Regular

With its layers of savory flavor, satisfying texture, and effortless preparation, this Beef cabbage casserole is destined for your regular dinner rotation. It’s the kind of comfort food casserole that fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma and brings everyone together at the table. I hope it brings as much warmth and satisfaction to your home as it does to mine.

Ground Beef Casserole