Weight Watchers Ground Beef and Cabbage Rice Casserole
A hearty one-dish meal combining lean ground beef, cabbage, and brown rice in a savory tomato-based sauce. This Weight Watchers-friendly casserole delivers comfort food satisfaction with lighter ingredients, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The uncooked rice absorbs all the flavorful juices while baking, creating a satisfying texture, while the melted cheese topping adds richness. The combination of dill and Worcestershire sauce gives this casserole a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from traditional stuffed cabbage recipes.
Ingredients
- ½ cup onions, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef, lean
- 4 ½ cups cabbage, coarsely choppedcauliflower rice1:1low-carbketo
significantly reduces carbs
- ½ cup brown rice, uncooked
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 ½ tsp beef bouillon
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ½ tsp dried dill
- 6 ozs colby cheese or swiss cheese, shreddedreduced-fat cheddar1:1low-fat
fewer calories, similar flavor
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven
- 2
Brown ground beef and onion together in skillet
- 3
Spray casserole dish with cooking spray
- 4
Layer cabbage in prepared dish
- 5
Top cabbage with uncooked rice
- 6
Add ground beef and onion mixture over rice
- 7
Mix Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, beef bouillon, water, and dill in bowl
- 8
Pour sauce mixture over casserole contents
- 9
Bake in preheated oven
- 10
Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese on top
- 11
Allow cheese to melt before serving
Tips
Use lean ground beef to keep the dish Weight Watchers-friendly and reduce excess grease during cooking.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after adding cheese to ensure it melts evenly and the dish sets properly.
Check that rice is tender before removing from oven - if still firm, cover with foil and bake 15 minutes longer.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or cover and reheat in 350F oven until heated through.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add 15-20 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Serve hot directly from casserole dish. Pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease pooling in the dish.
Do not overcook the initial browning step to prevent tough, dry meat.
Cover with foil if rice seems undercooked but cheese is browning too much.
Substitutions
fewer calories, similar flavor
FAQ
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, but reduce water to 1/4 cup and baking time to 45 minutes, as cooked rice only needs reheating and sauce absorption.
What if my rice is still crunchy after baking?
Cover tightly with foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes. The rice needs moisture and time to absorb the liquids properly.
How long does this casserole keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or cover and warm in 350F oven until heated through.