Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

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When comfort food calls, this Budget Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole delivers a hearty, filling answer without stretching your wallet. Packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a tomatoey sauce that simmers into perfection, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to throw together. It’s the kind of dinner you can count on during a busy weeknight.

It tastes like home. Like grandma’s kitchen. Like the kind of meal you pile onto your plate after a long day. Every bite combines the gentle sweetness of cabbage with the depth of seasoned beef and the rich tang of tomatoes. It’s old-fashioned in the best way, and budget-friendly for today’s busy lives.

Why You’ll Love This Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

You’ll love how this casserole brings together humble ingredients to make something unexpectedly delicious. It’s great for feeding a crowd, reheats beautifully for leftovers, and doesn’t require fancy techniques or tools. Everything comes together in one dish with minimal fuss, but maximum comfort.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

Any ground beef works, but I recommend using 80/20 for flavor and juiciness. If you’re aiming for a leaner version, 90/10 works too—just add a splash of olive oil when cooking to avoid dryness. You can also mix beef with ground turkey or sausage for added flavor.

Ingredients for the Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. These ingredients are pantry staples and fridge regulars that come together to make magic.

• Ground beef
• Green cabbage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• White rice
• Beef broth
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika
• Olive oil

How To Make the Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Layer the Cabbage

In a baking dish, spread half of the chopped cabbage. Layer the beef mixture on top.

Step 4: Add Rice and Sauce

Sprinkle uncooked white rice over the beef. Then pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth evenly over the top. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Top with remaining cabbage. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 75 minutes, until rice is cooked and cabbage is tender. Let it rest before serving.

How to Serve and Store Your Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a crusty piece of bread or a green salad makes it even better. It feeds about 6 hungry people, with leftovers likely.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

What to Serve With Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole?

Garlic Bread

Its crunch and buttery garlic flavor pair perfectly with the savory casserole.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A scoop on the side makes the meal even more comforting.

Roasted Carrots

Their natural sweetness balances the casserole’s savory flavor.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Add a crisp, cool bite with a fresh salad tossed in vinegar dressing.

Pickled Beets

A tangy side that adds color and contrast to your plate.

Apple Slaw

For a bit of crunch and sweetness, apple slaw is a fun twist.

Classic Deviled Eggs

Great as a side or appetizer, they’re always a hit.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and sturdy enough to mop up all that saucy goodness.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If casseroles make your heart happy, you’ll love these easy and crowd-pleasing recipes too:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
• Chicken and Dressing Casserole
• Easy Baked Burrito Casserole
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can always find it when you need something cozy and budget-friendly.

I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out. Did you use brown rice or mix in cheese? Did grandma give it a thumbs up? Share your twist in the comments.

Explore more weeknight favorites and comfort food classics on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next go-to dinner idea: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

This Budget Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole is exactly what a weeknight meal should be: affordable, easy to prep, and incredibly satisfying. With layers of flavor and textures that only improve the next day, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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