Lazy Person'S Cabbage Casserole
A hearty, flavorful casserole combining cabbage, rice, bacon, and seasoned ground beef, perfect for a comforting family meal with a savory and slightly tangy taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice following label directions, but cook for only five minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Pour off all but one tablespoon of bacon fat and sauté the chopped onion until tender.
- Crumble the ground round into the cooked onion and cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Stir in crumbled bacon, cooked rice, half of the salt and pepper, and the can of tomatoes with juice.
- Add vinegar, crushed thyme, remaining salt and pepper, bay leaf, brown sugar, and chopped cabbage.
- Mix well, place in a casserole dish, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular bacon. If you don't have ground round, ground turkey or chicken can work as a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Ensure you sauté the onions until they're translucent for a sweeter flavor profile. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Glorious Baked Beans for a hearty family dinner. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cheese before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Person'S Cabbage Casserole contains roughly 340 calories, with 16g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (212% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2103mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of rice for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, though you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so it may be best to pre-cook it fully before adding it to the casserole.
What can I use if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, just chop them up and add a bit of water to mimic the juice. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can also be used for a similar effect.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).