Casseroles are perfect for cozy nights, and this beef veggie casserole is no exception. It’s packed with cabbage, seasoned beef and gooey mozzarella cheese. This dish is incredibly filling and easy to make, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
I love this beef veggie casserole because it’s the perfect balance of comfort food and simple cooking. It’s also incredibly flexible—you can swap in different vegetables depending on what you have on hand, and it still turns out delicious every time. It’s a great way to sneak more veggies into my meals without the kids noticing when they feel like not eating veggies.
Making Beef Veggie Casserole a Staple
What makes this casserole a staple in my kitchen is its flexibility. This casserole is a great way to enjoy a filling, well-balanced meal. This casserole always hits the spot during a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to prep ahead for the week.
Cooking Beef Veggie Casserole
This casserole recipe is straightforward, and it doesn’t take much time to put together. The result is a delicious, bubbly, veggie-packed meal that the whole family will love—or just you, if you’re cooking for one.
Even better, you can easily prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Best Time to Serve Beef Veggie Casserole
This dish is ideal for dinner any time of the year, especially when you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s great for a casual family meal, but also perfect for meal prepping because the flavors get better the next day. The casserole can easily be portioned out and enjoyed for lunch or dinner during the week.
Easy Instructions for Creating Beef and Vegetable Casserole
Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen
- Oven: Essential for baking the casserole to perfection.
- Skillet Pot: To sauté the beef, onion, and mushrooms.
- Casserole Pot: Use this to combine the ingredients before baking.
Key Ingredients:
- Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a rich, savory base to the casserole.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For a creamy, melty topping that pairs perfectly with the seasoned beef and veggies.
- Cabbage: Provides a subtle crunch and healthy dose of fiber.
- Beef: Beef is the main protein, offering a hearty base for the casserole.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms enhance the texture and taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky, rich flavor that pairs well with the beef.
- Black Pepper, Salt: To season the dish to taste.
- Ginger Spice, Turmeric: Add warmth and subtle spice for extra flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Improves the overall flavor profile.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Detailed Directions for the Best Veggie Recipe
One: Prepare All Ingredients
Wash and chop all vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the mushrooms, and thinly slice the cabbage. Grate your mozzarella cheese and set everything aside.
Two: Sauté Onion, Beef and Mushroom
In a skillet, sauté the diced onion in a little oil until softened. Add the beef chunks and cook until browned. Then, stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.
Three: Season and Flavor
Once the beef is browned, add the smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, ginger spice, and turmeric. Pour tomato sauce as well. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to develop for a few minutes.
Four: Cook the Cabbage
Add in the cabbage, and cover it with a lid until it begins to soften but still has a little bite. This helps ensure it stays tender in the casserole. I usually leave it for an hour on a low heat.
Five: Add Cheese to the Mixture and Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius). Mix the cabbage and beef thoroughly. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices will help the overall taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it tender but still slightly firm so it holds up well during baking.
- Experiment with different veggies: Add zucchini, celery, bell peppers, or carrots to customize the recipe to your liking.
Common Questions Answered
What Are the Perfect Pairings for Beef Veggie Casserole?
Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. You could also pair it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad would complement the hearty casserole nicely.
What Are the Proper Storage Tips for Beef Veggie Casserole?
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
To freeze this casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake in the oven until warmed through.
Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love
If you like comforting recipes packed with vegetables, try our other delicious casseroles, like the walking taco casserole and the casserole with brussel sprouts. These are quick weeknight meals that feel like a treat.
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Beef Veggie Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 5 Ounce Cabbage
- 1/2 Pound Beef
- 1 Onion
- 1/2 Cup Mushrooms
- 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ginger
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the mushrooms, and thinly slice the cabbage. Grate your mozzarella cheese and set everything aside.
- In a skillet, sauté the diced onion in a little oil until softened. Add the beef chunks and cook until browned. Then, stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become tender.
- Once the beef is browned, add the smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, ginger spice, and turmeric. Pour tomato sauce as well. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to develop for a few minutes.
- Add in the cabbage, and cover it with a lid until it begins to soften but still has a little bite. This helps ensure it stays tender in the casserole. I usually leave it for an hour on a low heat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius). Mix the cabbage and beef thoroughly. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices will help the overall taste and texture.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: You want it tender but still slightly firm so it holds up well during baking.
- Experiment with different veggies: Add zucchini, celery, bell peppers, or carrots to customize the recipe to your liking.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
