1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
2. Brown the Beef and Onion
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Cook these together, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and crumbly, and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This process usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan for a leaner casserole.
3. Cook the Cabbage
Add the shredded cabbage right into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir well to combine and cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The cabbage will start to soften and wilt down, releasing a subtle sweetness and soaking up the rich beef flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
4. Mix in the Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice, into the skillet. Then add the cooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well balanced.
5. Transfer and Assemble
Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking. To keep the casserole moist and to infuse it with even more savory goodness, pour the beef broth gently over the top.
6. Cheese It Up
No casserole is complete without a generous layer of cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, making sure it covers every inch so it melts beautifully and forms that irresistible golden crust.
7. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly and the casserole becomes hot and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly for easier portioning. For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top. Then dig in and enjoy the cozy flavors!
Tips, Tricks & Delicious Variations
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Make it Spicy: Craving a little heat? Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when mixing the beef and cabbage for a subtle kick that warms you from the inside out.
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Low-Carb Version: If you want to cut down on carbs, swap the cooked rice for cauliflower rice or even skip it entirely. The casserole will still be hearty and satisfying.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or grated zucchini to boost the nutrition and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
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Cheese Swap: Try different types of cheese such as mozzarella for a gooey pull, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or a sharp aged cheddar for bold flavor.
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Make Ahead & Freeze: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze before baking. Just add extra baking time if cooking from frozen.