Easy Cabbage Casserole: A Hearty, Comforting Dish for Any Meal

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make casserole? Easy Cabbage Casserole is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a creamy sauce, all baked together to create a comforting meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or as a side dish for a larger meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

With its rich flavors and hearty texture, Easy Cabbage Casserole is a great alternative to heavier dishes, and it’s perfect for those who are looking for a low-carb, satisfying meal.

Why Easy Cabbage Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion

Here’s why Easy Cabbage Casserole is ideal for every occasion:

Simple Ingredients

This recipe calls for basic, affordable ingredients that are easy to find in your pantry and fridge. No need for specialty items!

Comforting and Hearty

Cabbage becomes tender and flavorful when baked, and combined with the ground meat and a creamy sauce, it creates a filling, comforting meal.

Quick and Easy to Make

With minimal prep work, this casserole comes together quickly and bakes in under an hour. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something filling without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Great for Leftovers

This casserole stores well in the fridge and makes great leftovers for the next day. The flavors only improve after sitting in the fridge overnight.

Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make Easy Cabbage Casserole. This recipe serves 4-6 people.

For the Casserole:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, for a leaner option)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions: How to Make Easy Cabbage Casserole

This simple casserole comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

2. Cook the Ground Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or ground turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Cabbage

While the beef mixture is simmering, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You can either sauté the cabbage in a pan with a little oil for about 5 minutes to soften it, or you can add it raw to the casserole dish—either way, it will cook through in the oven.

5. Combine the Cabbage and Beef Mixture

Layer the chopped cabbage in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the beef mixture over the cabbage and spread it out evenly. Add the sour cream and gently stir everything together to combine.

6. Add the Cheese

Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly over the top. This will melt beautifully and create a gooey, cheesy layer on top of the casserole.

7. Optional Crunchy Topping

For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole. This step is optional but adds a delicious crunch.

8. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges. If you added breadcrumbs, they should be golden and crispy.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice and serve hot!

Why Easy Cabbage Casserole is So Irresistible

What makes this casserole irresistible is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the savory flavors of the beef and seasonings, while the cheesy topping creates a deliciously gooey layer. The sour cream adds creaminess, and the optional crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying contrast to the tender cabbage. It’s a simple, hearty meal that hits the spot every time!

this Recipe

Print

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I use a different kind of meat?
   • Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. You can also use vegetarian crumbles if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
3. Can I make this casserole low-carb?
   • Yes! To make this dish low-carb, skip the breadcrumbs on top, and use a low-carb or cauliflower-based substitute for the cabbage if desired.
4. Can I freeze leftover casserole?
   • Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
   • Definitely! You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition. Just chop them up and sauté with the onion and ground meat.
6. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes! You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese for a different flavor. The key is using a cheese that melts well.
8. How can I make this casserole spicier?
   • If you like spice, you can add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture to give it a spicy kick.
9. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   • Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese option and use a plant-based sour cream. Make sure to use a dairy-free butter for the topping as well.
10. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of whole cabbage?
    • Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience. Just be sure to sauté or cook it to soften it slightly before layering it in the casserole dish.