The Homemade Cabbage Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Hearty cabbage casserole brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rustic charm and warming layers.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional home cooking.

Crisp cabbage mingles with savory seasonings, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Cheesy, creamy textures promise satisfaction in every single bite.

Simple preparation means minimal kitchen effort for maximum flavor impact.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.

Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Comforting Cabbage Casserole: Why You’ll Love It

• Packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, this dish delivers ultimate comfort and satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
• Affordable ingredients come together to create a filling and nutritious meal that won't break the bank, perfect for feeding a hungry family.
• Combine all your favorite components in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime a breeze with this convenient casserole.

Ingredients for a Cozy Cabbage Casserole Night

• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that provides a tender and nutritious base for the casserole.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that adds robust flavor and substance to the dish.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy and golden topping for the casserole.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation of flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.
• Foil: Helps to cover and protect the casserole during initial baking, then allows cheese to brown at the end.

Making Comforting Cabbage Casserole: The How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Turn on the oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Base Ingredients

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and glassy.

Add minced garlic and ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks.

Keep stirring until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Diced tomatoes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle salt and pepper.

Let the mixture simmer and meld together for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.

Step 4: Create Casserole Layers

• Spread half the shredded cabbage as the first layer
• Add half the beef mixture on top
• Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese
• Repeat the layers one more time

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.

For the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese turn golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Scoop out generous portions and serve hot for a truly comforting meal.

Cabbage Casserole Tips for Maximum Comfort

• Slightly salt and drain shredded cabbage before layering to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deeper, richer taste and eliminate any potential blandness.
• Use a sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses for more complex, robust flavor profile.
• Substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Replace meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a delicious meatless alternative that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.

Keeping Your Cabbage Casserole Delicious After Day One

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when the casserole reaches 165F internal temperature.

Satisfying Sides to Enjoy with Cabbage Casserole

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich beef and earthy cabbage flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with its bold tannins.
• Serve with Tangy Sauerkraut Side: Add a zesty sauerkraut as a complementary side dish to enhance the cabbage's natural flavor profile and provide a crisp, acidic contrast to the casserole's warmth.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Include a rustic sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato and meat juices, adding textural variety and making the meal more satisfying.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness and introduce a refreshing element to the meal.

New Takes on Classic Cabbage Casserole Recipes

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates and adds extra nutrients.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole packed with protein and fiber.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds for lactose-intolerant individuals or those avoiding dairy products.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate oregano, basil, and feta cheese to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish with bright, fresh flavors.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this cabbage casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, crumbled tofu, or meat substitute crumbles. The seasonings and cooking method remain the same.

• What type of cheese works best in this casserole?

Cheddar cheese is most recommended for its melting properties and rich flavor. However, you can also use mozzarella, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for variety.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to increase the nutritional value. You can mix these into the meat layer or scatter them between the cabbage and meat layers for added texture and nutrients.

Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Midwestern cabbage casserole delivers hearty, cheesy goodness straight from family kitchens. Layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and sliced
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Ingredient:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook onions until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and ground beef to the onions, breaking meat into crumbles and cooking until fully browned and no pink remains.
4. Pour diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper, then allow to simmer and develop flavors for 10 minutes.
5. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading half of the shredded cabbage as a base.
6. Distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture evenly over the cabbage layer.
7. Sprinkle a generous portion of cheese across the meat layer.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining cabbage, meat mixture, and top with another layer of cheese.
9. Carefully cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, maintaining the foil cover.
11. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to turn golden and slightly crispy.

Notes

• Enhance meat flavor by using a blend of ground beef and pork for added richness and depth.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular cheese with a certified gluten-free variety and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to increase fiber and vitamin content.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils for protein and texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg