Name: Dutch Oven Beef and Cabbage Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 head cabbage; 8 oz carrots; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon oregano; 24 oz tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper

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Love stuffed cabbage but hate the work? This simplified Dutch Oven Beef and Cabbage Casserole is quick and easy to make in only 30 minutes! So delicious even those who think cabbage isn’t for them will gobble this up!

beef and cabbage casserole with carrots on blue plate

Unless it’s a traditional dish your family makes often, making a beef and cabbage casserole may not be on your usual dinner radar.

And let’s be honest, cabbage may not be something you crave or have even tried. But can I tell you, this dinner is not only quick and simple to make, but satisfies those cravings for a wholesome, delicious dinner!

Packed with cabbage, carrots and ground beef this is not only full of fiber and nutrition, but it is filling and satisfying in a way that won’t leave you feeling overstuffed like when you eat pasta.

pink dutch oven with beef and cabbage casserole

About beef and cabbage

There are so many different versions of beef and cabbage recipes that go right along with cultural and family traditions.

My mother-in-law has often described one of her favorite dishes growing up in a family with German roots called galuskies, which are essentially a version of stuffed cabbage.

While I love the idea of keeping family traditions alive, there are times when making a meal that takes 1-2 hours just isn’t feasible. That’s why I’ve created a quick version you can make in the dutch oven in a fraction of the time!

bowl of shredded cabbage next to 3 carrots

Beef and Cabbage Casserole Ingredients

ground beef – use a lean ground beef or use 80/20 and remove excess grease if desired
cabbage – choose a nice head of fresh green cabbage, or in a pinch you can buy bagged shredded cabbage at the store. I prefer chopping it myself thought so I can leave the pieces a little bigger.
carrots – real whole carrots that are peeled and sliced are a must for me, baby carrots just don’t have the same flavor
seasonings – used dried onion powder, garlic powder and oregano plus salt and pepper
tomato sauce – a high quality brand is is best
sugar – optional, but this tiny amount helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes

overhead view of plated beef and cabbage casserole with carrots on a blue plate

Do I have to use a dutch oven?

No, for this recipe any heavy bottomed pan or large skillet would work. But, if you don’t have a dutch oven, it’s a great investment and there are so many delicious recipes you can make in it. In fact, I’ve got a whole section here on my blog devoted to dutch oven recipes.

And you don’t have to invest in a super expensive one either. This is the one I use and I love it!

overhead view of dutch oven filled with beef and cabbage casserole with tomato sauce

Tips for making this Dutch Oven Beef and Cabbage Casserole:

slice your carrots about 1/4 of an inch thick. You want them to cook quickly but not get soggy. They are best when they get to the point of not having any crunch left but not falling apart tender.
use a nice lean ground beef so that you don’t have any leftover grease to deal with
you can use fresh cabbage you shred yourself or grab a bag of shredded cabbage to save a little prep time