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Hey there, friends!
Are you in the mood for a comforting meal? I’ve got something special for you today!
It’s my cabbage hamburger casserole!
This dish is hearty, flavorful, and super easy to whip up.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week.
Trust me, you’re going to want seconds! Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredient Substitutions
Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook faster than beef. For a vegetarian version, increase the amount of vegetables or add mushrooms for a meaty texture. Jasmine rice can be substituted with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative, reducing cooking time and liquid content. Brown rice can also be used for added fiber, but may require additional cooking time and liquid. Beef broth can be swapped with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly, or with chicken broth for a different flavor profile. Use the same amount of broth regardless of the type chosen. These substitutions allow for dietary flexibility while maintaining the dish’s overall flavor and texture profile.
Preparation Time | 15-25 minutes |
Cooking Time | 90-105 minutes |
Total Time | 105-130 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 80-100 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- 5 cups diced cabbage
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 diced carrots
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 1 – 28oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp. oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Beef Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown and chop 1 ½ to 2 pounds of lean ground beef until it is no longer pink.
Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook and stir the mixture for 3-4 minutes.
Season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute.
Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with ½ cup of rinsed and drained uncooked jasmine rice, 1 (28 oz) can of diced tomatoes (with juice), and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add 5 cups of diced cabbage to the bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the combined mixture into a 9×13 baking pan and level it out to ensure even cooking.
Next, pour 1 ½ cups of beef broth over the mixture in the baking pan.
Step 4: Initial Bake
Cover the baking pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
This will allow the flavors to meld and the rice to begin cooking.
Step 5: Stir and Add Additional Vegetables
After 1 hour, remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir the mixture.
Add any additional vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, potatoes, corn, green beans, or zucchini, and mix well to incorporate them into the casserole.
Step 6: Final Bake and Serve
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
For added flavor, you can optionally top with grated cheddar cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
So very much like a lazy halupki casserole. My Polish Mom made something similar often when I was a kid but mostly she made the traditional rolled cabbage.