Description
A hearty and comforting stovetop casserole combining savory ground beef, tender cabbage, grated carrots, and aromatic spices, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, featuring a delicious blend of vegetables, rice, and tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped or shredded (about 9 cups loosely packed or 630 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 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
Other
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté carrots. Add the olive oil to a Dutch oven or large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the grated carrots and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they just start to soften.
- Cook ground beef with seasonings. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it browns. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for about 7 minutes until beef is no longer pink. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and simmer. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 7 minutes.
- Incorporate rice and cabbage. Stir in the cooked rice and chopped cabbage. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
- Broil with mozzarella cheese. Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole top, then broil for about 1 minute until cheese is lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and enjoy. Spoon the casserole onto plates and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked brown rice for a healthier twist.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the spices.
- If avoiding dairy, omit the mozzarella or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to watch the casserole carefully under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.
