A hearty and comforting casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Instructions:
- Brown the beef:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes:
- Add the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth to the skillet.
- Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook until the cabbage is tender-crisp, about 10-15 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the cheddar cheese and then the mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the cabbage mixture.
- Use Italian seasoning instead of thyme.
- For a creamy casserole, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese before topping with the cheese.
- For a low carb version, make sure to use no added sugar diced tomatoes.
- To add a bit of a crunch, sprinkle some fried onion pieces on top before baking.