Cabbage Surprise Casserole
A hearty cabbage casserole with seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 oz/225 g) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil the chopped cabbage in salted water for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well.
Spread half of the cabbage into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage, meat mixture, and cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables.
