This comforting Cabbage Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines tender cabbage, ground meat, and a creamy or cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable and readily available ingredients.
- Comforting & Hearty – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Versatile – Can be adapted with different meats, cheeses, and seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green cabbage, chopped
- Ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
- Cooked rice (optional, for a heartier casserole)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- Heavy cream or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- Butter or olive oil
Directions
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Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
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Cook the Cabbage – In a large skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped cabbage and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to the baking dish.
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Brown the Meat – In the same skillet, cook the ground beef (or chosen meat) with diced onions until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess grease.
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Make the Sauce – Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using cooked rice, add it at this stage. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
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Assemble the Casserole – Pour the meat mixture over the cooked cabbage in the baking dish. Stir to combine. Pour in heavy cream or sour cream and top with shredded cheese.
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Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Serve – Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb/Keto – Skip the rice and use more cabbage and meat.
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian – Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix cream cheese into the sauce for an extra creamy casserole.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but red cabbage has a slightly different flavor and firmer texture when cooked.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work great. Parmesan adds a nice sharpness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I serve with cabbage casserole?
Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Drain excess moisture from the cabbage before baking, and avoid using too much sauce.
Can I use shredded cabbage instead of chopped?
Yes! Shredded cabbage will cook faster and create a slightly different texture.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the cabbage is tender.
What other seasonings can I add?
Try smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, or even a splash of soy sauce for umami flavor.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
Yes, diced or shredded potatoes make a great addition to this casserole.
Conclusion
Cabbage Casserole is a simple, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family meal. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to become a favorite comfort food in your home!
Print
Cabbage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Cabbage Casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dish made with tender cabbage, ground meat, tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this comforting baked casserole is low-carb, gluten-free, and customizable to suit any taste. A simple and delicious way to enjoy cabbage!
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier casserole)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the Cabbage: In a large skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped cabbage and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Transfer to the baking dish.
- Brown the Meat: In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using cooked rice, add it now. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the meat mixture over the cooked cabbage. Stir gently. Pour in heavy cream or sour cream, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the rice and use more cabbage and meat.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese for an ultra-creamy version.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the cabbage is tender.
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