This bierock’s casserole is a warm and hearty dish made with tasty ground beef, cabbage, and cheese all tucked inside fluffy biscuits. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Cooking it feels like a cozy hug, and leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day. Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes even better after a night in the fridge? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I love using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and fat. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too, though you may need some extra oil to keep things moist.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the classic choice here, but you could also try Napa cabbage for a sweeter twist. If you’re in a pinch, shredded coleslaw mix can be a fast substitute!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a nice sharp flavor. I usually go for sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella also melts beautifully if you want something creamier.
Biscuit dough: Canned biscuit dough is convenient! However, homemade biscuit dough or even puff pastry can add a special touch if you have the time to make them from scratch.
How Do I Make Sure the Casserole Is Cooked Evenly?
Getting the casserole cooked evenly is key for that perfect bite! Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking from the start.
- Don’t skip sautéing the beef and cabbage first. This helps lock in flavors and moisture.
- Layering is important! Distributing the meat mixture evenly over the bottom layer of biscuit dough ensures a nice balance of flavors in every scoop.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Following these tips should result in a deliciously cooked Bierock’s casserole that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Bierock’s Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat & Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or parsley
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade biscuit dough
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Pickled jalapeños or other pickles (optional for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Bierock’s Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes before it’s all set and ready for you to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and warm when you’re ready to bake your casserole. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re translucent and smell wonderful, which should take about 3 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s extra fat, drain it so your casserole won’t be greasy.
4. Add the Cabbage:
Now stir in the chopped cabbage along with the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme (or parsley). Keep cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens for about 8-10 minutes, then remove it from heat.
5. Mix in the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the beef and cabbage mixture. Stir it all together until it’s well combined. Give a taste and adjust the seasoning if it needs a little extra salt or pepper.
6. Prepare the Biscuit Base:
Take half of the biscuit dough pieces and spread them over the bottom of your greased baking dish. Press them slightly to form an even layer.
7. Add the Meat and Cheese:
Layer the beef, cabbage, and rice mixture evenly over the biscuit base. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of this layer to make it cheesy and delicious!
8. Top with Biscuit Dough:
Take the remaining biscuit dough, break it into smaller pieces, and scatter them over the cheese layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just ensure it covers the mixture with some gaps for steam to escape.
9. Bake the Casserole:
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown biscuit tops and a bubbling filling once it’s done.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
After baking, take it out and give it a few minutes to cool. This resting time helps it hold its shape. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pickled jalapeños or your favorite pickles on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your warm, hearty Bierock’s casserole, just like a savory pie with a cheesy biscuit crust and a tasty ground beef-cabbage filling! Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. 😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that it tends to be leaner, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or butter to keep the filling moist and flavorful.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning to complement your substitute!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.