Comfort Food Delight: Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes and Cabbage
There’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole to warm you up on a chilly evening. This ground beef casserole, packed with tender potatoes, savory cabbage, and rich flavors, is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a complete and nutritious meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to adapt it to your liking with your favorite spices and seasonings.
## Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole
* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cabbage creates a symphony of flavors that’s both familiar and satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef, potatoes, and cabbage are all relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables, spices, and cheeses.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prepping.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious ground beef casserole:
* **Ground Beef:** 1.5 pounds of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio works well)
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes all work great)
* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
* **Beef Broth:** 1.5 cups of beef broth
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh parsley
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Mixing Bowls
* Measuring Spoons and Cups
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious ground beef casserole with potatoes and cabbage:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Peel and cube the potatoes into approximately 1-inch pieces. Consistent sizing will ensure even cooking.
* Shred the cabbage. Remove the outer leaves if they are wilted or damaged. A sharp knife or mandoline slicer can be used.
* Chop the onion into small dice. Uniformly sized pieces help cook evenly and distribute flavor.
* Mince the garlic. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
**Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef**
* Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Drain off any excess grease. Removing excess grease helps prevent the casserole from being too greasy.
**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 4: Add the Cabbage**
* Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until it starts to wilt and soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
**Step 5: Incorporate the Seasonings and Sauces**
* Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
* Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
**Step 6: Combine with Potatoes and Beef Broth**
* Add the cubed potatoes and beef broth to the skillet.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
**Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish**
* Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
**Step 8: Bake the Casserole**
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help retain moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is lightly browned. Check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily.
**Step 9: Let Rest and Serve**
* Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further.
* Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Casserole
* **Use High-Quality Ground Beef:** Using good quality ground beef will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the casserole. Opt for ground beef with a good balance of lean meat and fat for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into a potato cube; it should slide in easily but still hold its shape.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the casserole generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or peas. Add them along with the potatoes.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese for topping the casserole. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are all great options.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, use them instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Add them towards the end of the cooking process.
## Variations on the Recipe
This recipe is a great starting point, but there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Shepherd’s Pie Variation:** Top the casserole with mashed potatoes instead of baking the potatoes within the mixture. Prepare the mashed potatoes separately and spread them over the beef and cabbage mixture before baking.
* **Cheesy Casserole:** Add a generous layer of shredded cheese to the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will create a cheesy, gooey topping.
* **Mexican-Inspired Casserole:** Add a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef while browning. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
* **Creamy Casserole:** Add a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup to the casserole for a creamier texture.
* **Vegetarian Casserole:** Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a vegetarian ground beef substitute. Increase the amount of vegetables to compensate for the missing meat.
## Serving Suggestions
This ground beef casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple side dish, such as:
* **Green Salad:** A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Coleslaw:** A classic coleslaw complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*
## Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 1 hour
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 pounds ground beef
* 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1.5 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
3. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add shredded cabbage and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Add potatoes and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
7. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and top is lightly browned.
10. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped parsley, if desired.
## Enjoy Your Delicious and Heartwarming Ground Beef Casserole!
This ground beef casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home. It’s a reminder of simpler times, of family dinners, and of the comfort that a warm, hearty meal can provide. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and create a culinary masterpiece that will bring joy to your table. Bon appétit!
We hope you enjoy this classic recipe! Feel free to share your creations and variations in the comments below. We love to see how you make this dish your own. Happy cooking!