Comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive or fussy, and this Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole proves it in the most delicious way. Picture all the cozy flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoey sauce, rice, and melted cheese—layered into one bubbly pan you can slide straight from the oven onto the table.

This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need an easy dinner that fills everyone up without blowing the grocery budget. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and great for using up that half head of cabbage or leftover rice in the fridge. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so it’s a smart choice for meal prep and next-day lunches.

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

Budget-friendly pantry ingredients. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, canned tomatoes, and a little cheese come together to make a full 9×13 pan that easily feeds a crowd.
All the stuffed-cabbage flavor with none of the rolling. You get the same classic combo of beef, cabbage, and tomato, but layered like lasagna for way less work.
Family-approved comfort food. The cheesy top and cozy flavors make this a hit with picky eaters and hungry teens alike.
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly. Assemble it earlier in the day (or the night before), then just bake when you’re ready to eat.
Great for leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day, and it reheats nicely in the oven or microwave.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cabbage In This Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole?

Yes, absolutely! Pre-shredded bagged cabbage or coleslaw mix works wonderfully in this casserole and saves a ton of prep time. Just avoid blends that are heavy on carrots or purple cabbage if you want that classic stuffed-cabbage flavor and color. If the shreds are very long, you can give them a quick chop so the cabbage layers more evenly and is easier to scoop.

Using pre-shredded cabbage is also a great way to get dinner on the table even faster on busy weeknights—especially when you pair it with leftover cooked rice and ground beef you’ve browned ahead of time.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients for this casserole, and most of them are pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what each one does in the recipe:

Ground beef – Provides hearty protein and rich, beefy flavor at an affordable price.
Olive oil – Helps brown the beef and aromatics while adding a touch of richness.
Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture as it cooks down.
Garlic – Brings savory, aromatic flavor that keeps the casserole from tasting flat.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that sharpen and balance all the flavors in the pan.
Smoked paprika – Adds gentle smoky flavor and a beautiful warm color to the beef.
Dried oregano and dried thyme – Layer in classic herb flavor that pairs well with tomatoes and beef.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, but a pinch adds a little warmth and keeps each bite interesting.
Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
Diced tomatoes – Provide juicy texture and bright acidity to mimic classic cabbage roll sauce.
Tomato sauce – Creates a smooth, savory base that coats the beef, rice, and cabbage.
Beef broth – Loosens the sauce, adds savory flavor, and helps the cabbage soften as it bakes.
Cooked white rice – Stretches the beef, soaks up flavor, and gives the casserole that cozy, stick-to-your-ribs texture.
Green cabbage – The star veggie of the dish, softening into tender, sweet layers in the oven.
Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the beef and rice mixture and bakes into a golden, bubbly topping.
Sour cream – Optional, but a cool dollop on top balances the rich, savory casserole.
Fresh parsley – A sprinkle of green on top for freshness and color just before serving.

How To Make The Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

This casserole comes together in a few simple steps: brown the beef, make the sauce, layer everything in a pan, and bake until the cabbage is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 1: Brown the beef and aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until it’s mostly browned. Stir in the diced onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. If there’s a lot of excess grease in the pan, carefully spoon some off so the casserole doesn’t turn out greasy.

Step 2: Season and build the tomato sauce

Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the beef mixture. Stir well so all the spices coat the meat.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to toast and deepen the flavor. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavorful.

Step 3: Stir in the rice and cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and stir until the grains are evenly coated in the tomato-beef sauce. Sprinkle in most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small handful for the top of the casserole, and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if you like, keeping in mind that the cabbage and cheese will mellow the flavors as the casserole bakes.

Step 4: Layer the cabbage and beef mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging it in an even layer.

Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage and spread it gently from edge to edge. Add the remaining cabbage in an even layer on top, then finish with the rest of the beef mixture, smoothing it out so the casserole bakes evenly.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is mostly tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, lightly browned, and the cabbage is fully tender.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before scooping so the layers can set slightly and it’s easier to serve.

Spoon generous portions onto plates or into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you like.

How To Serve Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

This hearty casserole is a full meal on its own, thanks to the combination of protein, veggies, and rice. A 9×13 pan comfortably feeds about 6 hungry people, or up to 8 if you’re serving smaller portions alongside a few simple sides.

Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or garlic bread for an easy dinner that feels complete without a lot of extra work. It also makes a cozy Sunday meal that can stretch into Monday’s lunch—just pack leftovers into containers for reheating.

If you love a toppings bar, set out bowls of extra shredded cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, and sliced green onions so everyone can customize their plate.

How To Store Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole

One of the best things about this casserole is how well it keeps. The flavors continue to meld as it rests, making leftovers especially tasty.

In the refrigerator: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until hot.
In the freezer (unbaked): Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but stop before adding the final cheese layer. Cool completely, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
In the freezer (baked): Let baked casserole cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a covered, oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese toward the end if you’d like.

For best texture, try to avoid repeated cycles of reheating and cooling—only reheat the portions you plan to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When baking from cold, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the covered bake time to ensure the center is hot.

Do I have to cook the cabbage before baking?
No pre-cooking is necessary. The chopped cabbage softens beautifully as it bakes under the saucy beef and rice mixture. Just make sure your pieces are bite-sized so they cook evenly.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll want to use fully cooked brown rice before adding it to the skillet. Brown rice is a little chewier and nuttier, which can be delicious here. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a splash more broth because brown rice absorbs slightly more liquid.

How can I make this casserole a bit lighter?
Use lean ground beef, reduce the cheese slightly, and swap some or all of the white rice for cooked cauliflower rice. You can also add extra vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef mixture for more volume and nutrients.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Individual portions reheat quickly in the microwave—cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (165°C) until hot. If you like, add a small handful of extra cheese on top for the last few minutes.

Want More Cozy Casserole Ideas?

If this Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole is a hit at your table, you’ll love these other comforting casserole-style dinners too:

Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole – All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers, baked in one simple pan.
Cheeseburger Pasta Dinner Casserole – A cheesy mash-up of pasta night and burger night.
Chicken Cobbler Dinner Casserole – Creamy, cozy chicken filling topped with a buttery biscuit-style crust.
Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole – Crispy potato tots, gooey cheese, and a savory filling underneath.
Baked Potato Chicken And Broccoli Casserole – A loaded baked potato turned into a hearty all-in-one dinner.

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And when you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you keep it classic, or sneak in extra veggies or a different cheese blend?

If you’re looking for even more budget-friendly dinner ideas and everyday food inspiration, you can also follow along on Pinterest at Life With Livia. Let’s swap easy recipe wins and help each other get tasty food on the table with less stress!

Budget Ground Beef And Cabbage Casserole