A warm, comforting casserole with seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a generous layer of melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- For the Cabbage Layer:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- Optional: 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the canned tomatoes and the tomato paste. Stir well. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare the Cabbage Layer:
- While the beef is simmering, in a separate large skillet, add the shredded cabbage and the water. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess water.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the cooked cabbage over the beef.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and parmesan cheese if using) evenly over the cabbage.
- 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 stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- Add other vegetables. Such as carrots, or bell peppers.
- For a creamy casserole, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture before assembling.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Beef & Cabbage Casserole!