Cabbage Casserole In Rice Cooker

A delicious one-pot recipe to make in your rice cooker is this Cabbage Casserole, made using ground beef, diced onion, cabbage, white rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and serves 6. Pair your Cabbage Casserole with Brussels Sprouts, Oden With Yuzu Essence, Steamed Vegetables, or roasted potatoes.

To cook this Cabbage Casserole in your rice cooker, start by browning the meat with onions and spices. Layer the cabbage and rice in the cooker, pour in broth and tomatoes, and cook until done. Finally, stir in the cheese and serve warm.

You can have fun making more than just Cabbage Casserole in your rice cooker, so try out recipes like Risotto Milanese, Bolognese Sauce, and Lamb Curry. It doesn’t matter if you have a Zojirushi, Toshiba, or Breville rice cooker, they can handle all these dishes effortlessly.

Rice Cooker Cabbage Casserole Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 cups cabbage, cut into 1/2” by 3” slices
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 oz grated medium or sharp cheddar cheese
• Additional salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Cabbage Casserole In Rice Cooker

1. Brown the Meat: Begin by cooking the ground beef in a pan, adding onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until the beef is thoroughly browned, then drain any excess grease.
2. Prepare the Rice Cooker: Carefully transfer the browned meat into the rice cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom to form a solid base layer.
3. Layer the Cabbage and Rice: On top of the beef, place the sliced cabbage, and then evenly sprinkle the uncooked rice over the cabbage, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Gently pour the beef broth over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed, then add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce on top, covering the rice completely.
5. Cook the Casserole: Set your rice cooker to its standard cooking setting, typically used for cooking rice, and allow it to cook until the rice cooker indicates completion, which might take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Add Cheese and Serve: Once the cooking is complete, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and mixed well, then taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve the casserole warm.

Recipe Tips

1. Layering Ingredients: Properly layer the ingredients in the rice cooker, starting with the heaviest and moistest (like the browned meat) at the bottom.
2. Rice Choice: If using brown rice, remember it will require more cooking liquid and a longer cooking time.
3. Cabbage Preparation: Chop the cabbage into even sizes to ensure uniform cooking.
4. Checking Doneness: Check the casserole towards the end of cooking. The rice should be fluffy, and the cabbage tender.
5. Resting Time: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after cooking to settle and cool down slightly, which makes serving easier.
6. Cheese Layering: Add half of the cheese into the casserole and use the rest to sprinkle on top for a melty, cheesy crust.

Recipe Variation

1. Spicy Cabbage Casserole: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat while browning for a spicy kick.
2. Mediterranean Twist: Mix in olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
3. Curry-Infused Casserole: Add a tablespoon of curry powder for an Indian-inspired version.
4. Vegan Cabbage Casserole: Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegan cheese, and increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
5. Hearty Winter Casserole: Incorporate root vegetables like carrots and parsnips for additional heartiness.
6. Sausage and Apple Cabbage Casserole: Substitute ground beef with sausage meat and add diced apples for a sweet and savory combination.

Can I Substitute Ground Beef with a Vegetarian Protein?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with a vegetarian protein like lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute like soy or tempeh. These alternatives provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making them great options for a vegetarian cabbage casserole.

How Can I Make the Casserole More Flavorful?

To make the casserole more flavorful, consider adding additional herbs and spices such as thyme, basil, or smoked paprika. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of red wine can also enhance the depth of flavor. Sautéing the onion and garlic until caramelized before adding to the rice cooker can add a richer taste.

Is It Possible to Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Adjust the liquid ratio slightly (usually a bit more water or broth is needed) and increase the cooking time accordingly.

What To Serve With Cabbage Casserole

Serve your Cabbage Casserole with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast, a light green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots to complement the richness of the casserole. For a heartier meal, pair with roasted potatoes.

How To Store Cabbage Casserole

In The Fridge:

Once you’ve let your Cabbage Casserole cool down, you should put it in a sealed container and pop it in the fridge. This way, it’ll stay nice and fresh, keeping its delicious taste and texture for around 3 to 4 days.

In The Freezer:

To preserve your Cabbage Casserole for a long time, you should freeze it in a container or bag that is safe for the freezer. This will keep your casserole in great shape for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will give you the best results.

How To Reheat Cabbage Casserole

To reheat your Cabbage Casserole, you should put it in your oven that’s already heated to 350°F (175°C). Leave it in there for about 20 minutes or until it’s completely heated all the way through. This will make sure that your casserole keeps its yummy flavor and texture, just like when you first made it.

Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:

• Dirty Rice In Rice Cooker
• Pineapple Rice In Rice Cooker
• Rice Cooker Biriyani