Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly, you’ll fall in love with this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole. This recipe brings together everyday ingredients ground beef, fresh cabbage, onions, garlic, sour cream, and cheese into a bubbling, creamy, oven-baked masterpiece.

This casserole is one of those dishes that feels like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, with layers of flavor that make it taste like it took all day, even though it’s ready in under an hour.

It’s also a wonderfully versatile recipe: serve it for weeknight family dinners, make it ahead for meal prep, or bring it to a potluck. Everyone will be asking for seconds, guaranteed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, all in a single casserole.
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and sour cream.
• Quick prep – Ready to assemble in about 20 minutes, then let the oven do the work.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor – Mild spices with creamy richness—perfect for the whole family.
• Versatile – Easy to adjust for low-carb, gluten-free, or spicier variations.
• Meal prep friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef – The star protein of the dish. Lean ground beef works well, but an 80/20 blend brings extra richness.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped – Mild, tender, and perfect for soaking up creamy flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For savory balance.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds subtle heat.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – A touch of smokiness and warmth.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates that velvety sauce base.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melty, sharp, and gooey on top.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds tangy richness to the creamy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing vegetables.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet – For browning the beef and cooking the cabbage mixture.
• Casserole dish (9×13 recommended) – For baking the finished casserole.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – To stir everything together.
• Sharp knife & cutting board – For chopping onion, garlic, and cabbage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Cabbage

Add the olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (2–3 minutes). Add the chopped cabbage and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and reduces in volume.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the sour cream until well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the cabbage and beef mixture into a greased casserole dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or on its own.

Tips & Variations

• Low-carb/Keto version: Use full-fat sour cream, heavy cream, and cheese for a keto-friendly dinner.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your sour cream and seasonings.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the paprika.
• Different cheeses: Try mozzarella for extra meltiness, Gruyère for nutty depth, or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Make it a complete meal: Add cooked rice or noodles directly into the mixture before baking.
• Vegetarian version: Swap ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Texture: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting with tender cabbage and savory beef.
• Taste: Rich and hearty, with a mild sweetness from the cabbage and onions balanced by smoky paprika and tangy sour cream.

Best pairings:

• Sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted carrots, or a fresh green salad.
• Wine: A light red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Chardonnay.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea.

Nutritional Overview (Approx. per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make-ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
• Fridge storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter version.

Q2: Do I need to boil the cabbage first?
No, it cooks directly in the skillet with the onion and garlic until softened.

Q3: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

Q4: How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
Make sure to cook the cabbage until most of its liquid evaporates before adding the cream.

Q5: Can I add potatoes or pasta?
Yes—layer thin potato slices in with the cabbage or stir in cooked pasta before baking for a heartier dish.

Cooking Timeline at a Glance

Step	Time
Prep vegetables	10 min
Cook beef and cabbage	12 min
Assemble casserole	5 min
Bake	25 min
Rest & serve	5 min
Total	~55 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with buttered crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for freshness.
• For a homestyle meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted carrots.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Cabbage & Beef Pasta Bake – Stir in cooked pasta before baking.
2. Spicy Cajun Version – Add Cajun seasoning and pepper jack cheese.
3. Loaded Potato Casserole – Layer in thin-sliced potatoes with the cabbage.
4. Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole – Use mushrooms or lentils instead of beef.

Ingredient Spotlight: Cabbage

Cabbage is an often-overlooked powerhouse. It’s inexpensive, versatile, and packed with vitamins C and K. For this casserole, choose a small, firm head of green cabbage. Store whole cabbage in the crisper drawer for up to two weeks, and chop just before cooking to retain freshness.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melt.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing cabbage—it softens faster when it has room.
• For maximum flavor, let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: 3–4 days in airtight containers.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months. Wrap portions tightly in foil and store in freezer bags.
• Reheat: Oven method keeps texture best—350°F until bubbly. Add extra cheese on top if reheating in the oven.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving, 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	390
Protein	21g
Fat	29g
Carbs	9g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Conclusion

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create big comfort. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight, stocking the freezer with make-ahead meals, or bringing a dish to share at a potluck.

Rich, creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, it’s a casserole that’s sure to win hearts. Try it once, and it may just earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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