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Stovetop Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole (One-Pot) Recipe

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3.8 from 85 reviews

This Stovetop Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and nutritious vegetables with a cheesy broiled topping. Easy to prepare and packed with rich savory flavors, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated (about 2 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped or shredded (about 9 cups loosely packed or 630 g)

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Pantry Ingredients and Spices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 14.5 ounces can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

  1. Sauté Carrots: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a Dutch oven or large oven-safe skillet with high sides and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the grated carrots and sauté until just starting to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. Brown Ground Beef and Season: Add 1 pound lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook the meat thoroughly, about 7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant while stirring continuously.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the 14.5 ounces can of fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, ¾ cup water, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, plus the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for about 7 minutes.
  4. Cook with Rice and Cabbage: Stir in 2 cups cooked white rice and the chopped cabbage. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
  5. Season to Taste: Taste the casserole and add more salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
  6. Broil Cheese Topping: Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. Place under the broiler and broil until the cheese is lightly browned, about 1 minute, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  7. Serve: Spoon the casserole onto plates and enjoy this warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
  • If you prefer, shredded cabbage can be substituted with Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a different texture.
  • Broiling times vary by oven; keep a close watch to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • For a slightly spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning the beef.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American