Easter Red Cabbage and Ground Beef Braised Casserole

Ingredients

- 6 +

• 1 medium head of red cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Done!

2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until translucent.

Done!

3

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon and cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

Done!

4

Stir in diced carrots and chopped red cabbage, cooking until the cabbage starts to wilt.

Done!

5

In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Done!

6

Pour the tomato mixture over the beef and cabbage mixture in the skillet, combining thoroughly.

Done!

7

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.

Done!

8

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown.

Done!

9

Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Done!

Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Chef's Tips

Ensure the ground beef is well-browned for the best flavor.

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.

Adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar to suit your taste.

Troubleshooting

If the casserole is too dry, add more beef broth during cooking.

If it becomes too salty, balance with a bit of sugar.

To prevent burning, cover with foil if baking too long.

Recipe Variations

Add quinoa or rice for a more filling dish.

Make a vegetarian version using tempeh or black beans instead of beef.

Add spices like cumin or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

Healthy Alternatives

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lentils for a leaner, plant-based option.

Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce salt intake.

Replace brown sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.

Offer a selection of pickles to enhance flavors.

Nutrition Facts

320

Calories

25g

Protein

30g

Carbs

15g

Fat

5g

Fiber

6g

Sugar

400mg

Sodium

70mg

Cholesterol

Dietary Info

High-protein

Garnish Ideas

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro works great.

Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Sprinkle with toasted nuts for a crunchy texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

This dish freezes well; thaw completely before reheating.

Leftover Ideas

Use leftovers in a wrap or sandwich.

Mix with pasta for a quick meal.

Create stuffed peppers with the casserole mix.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the beef sufficiently, which can lead to a less flavorful dish.

Overcooking the cabbage, making it too mushy.

Forgetting to taste the dish before serving to adjust seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

What can I use instead of red cabbage?

Green cabbage or kale can be used as an alternative, although the flavor may differ slightly.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tempeh.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure it is fully cooled before packing it into freezer-safe containers.

How can I personalize the seasoning?

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spicy elements like red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Reviews

Emily

Mar 10, 2026

This casserole was a hit at our Easter dinner! So flavorful!

Michael

Mar 25, 2026

Easy to make and very satisfying. I added some extra spices.

Jessica

Mar 25, 2026

It was good, but I think I overcooked the cabbage a bit.

Daniel

Mar 21, 2026

My family loved it! Will definitely make it again.

Sarah

Mar 23, 2026

Tasty and filling! The kids devoured it.

James

Apr 5, 2026

Surprisingly delicious! A new favorite in our house.

Karen

Mar 13, 2026

It tasted nice but could use more seasoning.

Laura

Apr 7, 2026

A lovely dish for family gatherings. Everyone enjoyed it.

Chris

Mar 30, 2026

So easy to make and so many flavor combinations!

Kathy

Mar 16, 2026

Could use a bit more vinegar for my taste, but overall great.

Brian

Apr 3, 2026

It was decent. I expected something more exciting.

Alicia

Mar 30, 2026

I loved the balance of sweet and savory! Perfect!

Steve

Mar 17, 2026

Perfect for a big family meal, very comforting.

Nancy

Mar 12, 2026

This is going into my regular rotation—so easy!

Mark

Mar 15, 2026

Good, but I think I overdid it on the cabbage.

Olivia

Mar 22, 2026

A fantastic combination of flavors! So hearty.

Tom

Mar 17, 2026

Great recipe, just be mindful of your cooking time.

Sophia

Mar 25, 2026

A unique take on casseroles! I enjoyed it.

Ryan

Mar 31, 2026

Very easy and delicious! Everyone loved it.

Hannah

Mar 19, 2026

Will definitely make it again. Perfect for leftovers too!