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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season to Taste: Taste the casserole and add more salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American