Can I make this casserole a day early?

Definitely! You can put it all together up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When it's time to bake, give it an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven if starting cold.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Easy swap! Use 2 cups of cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat instead of beef, and sub in veggie broth for the beef broth. Keep the cheese for a vegetarian version, or try a dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist.

What sides go well with this dish?

While it’s filling on its own, a fresh salad, some steamed veggies, or crunchy bread are great sides. Add garlic bread or rolls if you want a heartier spread.

Does this dish freeze well?

Yep! You can freeze it either pre-cooked or after baking. If freezing uncooked, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. For baked leftovers, let it cool, then wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until fully warmed.

Is leftover or already-cooked rice okay to use?

For sure! Leftover or pre-cooked rice works great. Chilled rice holds up nicely in this dish, and you can use white, brown, or any mix of rice you’ve got.

Delicious Cabbage Beef Bake

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

Cook beef with spices and onions. Spread part of the cabbage in your dish, follow with beef mix, rice, and tomatoes. Add the rest of the cabbage and pour broth. Cover and bake 45 minutes. Finish with cheese on top, baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes more.

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By Ana

Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:44:21 GMT

Cabbage Beef Bake in a dish with melted cheese | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole a day early?: Definitely! You can put it all together up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When it's time to bake, give it an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven if starting cold.
→ How can I make this vegetarian?: Easy swap! Use 2 cups of cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat instead of beef, and sub in veggie broth for the beef broth. Keep the cheese for a vegetarian version, or try a dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist.
→ What sides go well with this dish?: While it’s filling on its own, a fresh salad, some steamed veggies, or crunchy bread are great sides. Add garlic bread or rolls if you want a heartier spread.
→ Does this dish freeze well?: Yep! You can freeze it either pre-cooked or after baking. If freezing uncooked, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. For baked leftovers, let it cool, then wrap and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until fully warmed.
→ Is leftover or already-cooked rice okay to use?: For sure! Leftover or pre-cooked rice works great. Chilled rice holds up nicely in this dish, and you can use white, brown, or any mix of rice you’ve got.

Family Comfort Casserole

Layers of seasoned cabbage, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice topped with melted cheese make this dish a go-to for comfort food fans.

Prep Time

15 min

Cooking Time

60 min

Total Time

75 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yields: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup cooked rice

02 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, don't drain

03 1 medium onion, chopped

04 1 pound ground beef

05 3 cups cabbage, finely chopped

06 1/2 cup beef broth

→ Seasonings

07 1 teaspoon salt

08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

09 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Topping

10 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish using butter or cooking spray.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Sauté the onion with the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no pink remains, and the onion is soft. Get rid of any extra grease.

Step 03

Sprinkle in black pepper, garlic powder, and salt, stirring them into the beef mixture.

Step 04

Line the bottom of your greased dish with half the cabbage. Spoon the beef mixture on top. Spread the rice evenly over that layer. Pour the juicy diced tomatoes right over the rice.

Step 05

Layer the rest of the cabbage on the topmost layer. Evenly pour beef broth over the whole dish. Cover with foil and bake it for 45 minutes.

Step 06

Take off the foil and scatter shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Put the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

Notes

You can make a healthier swap by using ground turkey instead of beef.
Switch up the cheese topping with Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you like.
Feel free to assemble this dish ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Leftovers are fine in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.