There’s something magical about a meal that comes together in just one pot, less cleanup, more flavor, and that cozy feeling of home all wrapped into one dish. This One-Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole is my go-to when I need something hearty, simple, and downright comforting. I first stumbled on this recipe during a busy weeknight when my fridge was looking a little bare, but wow, did it deliver! The beef browns perfectly, the potatoes soak up all that savory goodness, and the cabbage adds just the right touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s ready in about an hour, no fuss, no endless dishes, just a big, satisfying meal that everyone at the table loves.
Why You’ll Love This One‑Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole
Listen, I know a good one-pot meal when I see one, and this casserole? It’s a total winner. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Easy cleanup – One pot means more time relaxing, less time scrubbing (my kind of cooking!)
- Budget-friendly – Basic ingredients that won’t break the bank but taste like a million bucks
- Hearty flavors – The beef, potatoes, and cabbage meld together into pure comfort
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters can’t resist this cozy, filling dish
Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become your new weeknight hero.
Ingredients for One‑Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole
Gathering ingredients for this casserole couldn’t be simpler. Just grab your shopping list and let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need to make magic in that pot:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, I prefer 80/20 for maximum flavor, but lean works too
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces (trust me, this size cooks perfectly!)
- ½ head cabbage, chopped (don’t skip this, it adds such great texture!)
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for that perfect sear on the beef
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste, but this is my sweet spot
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked if you’ve got it
That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s turn these humble ingredients into something amazing.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful part: you barely need any tools for this casserole! Just grab:
- A large pot (my trusty Dutch oven works wonders)
- A good knife (for chopping those potatoes and cabbage)
- A cutting board (safety first, folks!)
That’s seriously it, no fancy gadgets required. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make One‑Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into making this cozy casserole! The process is so simple even my teenager can handle it (and trust me, that’s saying something). Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table before you know it.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, heat that olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot before adding the beef, listen for that satisfying sizzle when it hits the pan! Break up the ground beef with your spoon and let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two to get some good browning going. Then stir occasionally until it’s cooked through and those beautiful brown bits form on the bottom of the pot. This is where all that deep flavor starts!
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Now toss in those diced potatoes and chopped cabbage, don’t worry if it looks like a mountain of veggies at first! Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine. The cabbage will wilt down beautifully as it cooks. Pro tip: Make sure all the potatoes are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Here’s where the magic happens! Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 30-35 minutes, resist the urge to peek too often! You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft but still has a bit of texture. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. That’s it, dinner is served!
Tips for the Best One‑Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole
Want to take your casserole from good to “wow”? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:
- Dice potatoes evenly, 1-inch pieces, and cook perfectly without turning mushy
- Don’t skimp on browning; those crispy beef bits add tons of flavor
- Taste before serving, I always add an extra pinch of salt if needed
- Let it rest 5 minutes, flavors meld beautifully as it cools slightly
Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have the most delicious casserole every single time!
Variations for One‑Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole
Oh, the possibilities! This casserole is like a blank canvas. Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Add onions. Toss in a diced onion when browning the beef for extra depth
- Try carrots. A handful of sliced carrots adds sweetness and color
- Spice it up. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick
- Swap the meat, Ground turkey or sausage works great too! Check out this one-pot turkey sausage recipe for inspiration.
The best part? You really can’t mess this one up. Have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the juices or a simple green salad for some fresh crunch. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra richness, heaven!
Storage and Reheating
This casserole keeps beautifully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. To freeze, just portion it out and it’ll keep for 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do like knowing roughly what’s going into my meals! Keep in mind these numbers are estimates; your exact counts will vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. That said, one hearty serving of this casserole packs about 350 calories with a good balance of protein (25g) and carbs (30g). The cabbage and potatoes bring fiber (5g) and vitamin C (45% of your daily needs!), while the beef gives you iron (15% daily). Not bad for such a simple, comforting dish, right? For more recipe ideas, you can visit recipesloop.com.
Remember: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe, just know it’ll be a bit leaner. I like to add an extra drizzle of olive oil when browning to keep it moist. The flavor will be milder, but still delicious with all those hearty veggies!
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
This casserole keeps like a dream! Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Honestly, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors really settle in. Just reheat with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, easy as pie!
What if my potatoes aren’t cooking through?
No worries, just pop the lid back on and give it 5-10 more minutes. If they’re still stubborn, add a couple of tablespoons of water to create more steam. Next time, make sure your potato pieces are all about 1 inch for even cooking!
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Recipesloop.
One-Pot Beef, Potato & Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add diced potatoes and chopped cabbage to the pot.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
Notes

