Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole with Rice and Tomatoes (Print version)

Tender cabbage, ground beef, cooked rice, tomatoes, and cheddar bake into a cozy one-pan family casserole.

# Ingredients:

For the casserole

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85 percent lean
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium green cabbage, chopped, about 8 cups
06 - 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 1 1/2 cups (300 g) cooked long-grain white rice
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) low-sodium beef broth

For the topping

12 - 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage wilts and starts to turn tender.
04 - Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors come together.
05 - Spread the cabbage, beef, and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef broth over the top.
06 - Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheddar, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
07 - Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Use cooked rice for the most reliable texture.
02 - Let the casserole rest before scooping so it holds together.
03 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.