cheesy beef and cabbage casserole

Here’s a delicious and hearty recipe for Cheesy Beef and Cabbage Casserole. This dish combines ground beef, tender cabbage, and a cheesy sauce to create a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, and it’s a great way to get your veggies in while still indulging in a creamy, cheesy casserole!

Cheesy Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)

• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of your choice)

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesy goodness)

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage:

   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and slightly caramelizes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Cook the beef:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

3. Combine ingredients:

   • Add the sautéed cabbage, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors and cook down a bit.

4. Prepare the cheesy mixture:

   • In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the beef and cabbage mixture evenly. Spoon the cheesy mixture over the top and spread it out evenly.

   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) over the top for an extra cheesy layer.

6. Bake:

   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

7. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

Optional Tips & Variations:

• Add some spice: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for a little heat.

• Use different cheeses: Swap out cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

• Make it low-carb: If you’re watching carbs, skip the breadcrumbs and focus on the beef, cabbage, and cheese for a lower-carb casserole.

• Top with breadcrumbs: If you want a crispy, crunchy topping, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before baking.

This Cheesy Beef and Cabbage Casserole is a cozy, filling meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table. Plus, it’s super easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy! Let me know if you need more ideas!