Name: Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional); 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional)

Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted cheese in one deliciously baked dish. It’s a simple, satisfying recipe perfect for weeknights when I want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole brings together rich, meaty flavors with the natural sweetness and crunch of vegetables. The gooey layer of melted cheese on top adds a creamy finish that makes every bite irresistible. It’s an easy one-dish meal that doesn’t require fancy ingredients and leaves me with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
cabbage, thinly sliced
onion, diced
mushrooms, sliced
tomato sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
smoked paprika
black pepper
salt
garlic powder
ginger (optional)
turmeric (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I sauté the diced onions over medium heat until softened, then add the ground beef and cook until browned.
I stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender.
I season the mixture with smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and, if using, a pinch of ginger and turmeric.
I pour in the tomato sauce and mix well to combine everything evenly.
I add the sliced cabbage and stir until well incorporated with the beef mixture.
I transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 3 servings. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Variations

I like to:

Use bell peppers or zucchini instead of cabbage for a different veggie twist.
Add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Swap mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for more flavor.
Mix in cooked rice or pasta for a more filling casserole.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I freeze it after baking and cooling completely. It keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer. I reheat it in the oven after thawing in the fridge overnight.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I replace the beef with lentils, plant-based meat, or extra mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian option.

What other cheeses can I use?

I often switch things up with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for added flavor.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes, I sometimes toss in spinach, carrots, or even corn to boost the vegetable content and add variety.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The cheesy top and mild flavors make it a hit with kids, and I can easily adjust the spices to suit their taste.

Conclusion

Homemade Cheesy Beef & Vegetable Casserole is one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s quick to prepare, loaded with flavor, and flexible enough to suit whatever I have on hand. Whether I’m feeding the family or looking for easy leftovers, this dish always delivers a warm, satisfying experience.