End-Of-The-Month Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole combining ground beef, cabbage, carrots, rice, and tomato soup, perfect for a satisfying family meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Drain well.
- Combine the cooked beef, cabbage, carrots, quick cooking rice, reduced-sodium tomato soup, water, black pepper, and ground cumin in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven, covered, for one hour.
- Alternatively, cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on high (100%) power for 15 to 20 minutes, stopping twice to stir.
- The casserole is ready when the cabbage and carrots are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked beans or corn to the casserole. If you don't have quick cooking rice, regular rice can be used; just increase the water and cooking time accordingly. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. Additionally, feel free to experiment with seasonings, such as paprika or oregano, to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to balance the meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw. This dish also makes a satisfying lunch option the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of End-Of-The-Month Casserole contains roughly 478 calories, with 22g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's still cold.
What can I use instead of cabbage?
If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with chopped kale or spinach, which will cook down nicely in the casserole. Alternatively, you could use broccoli or cauliflower for a different flavor and texture.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, and enjoy a quick meal later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).