Cabbage Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender cabbage, savory flavors, and a rich, cheesy topping. It’s an easy and budget-friendly recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner or as a side dish for any occasion. This casserole is packed with flavor and is a great way to enjoy the humble cabbage in a whole new way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and satisfying, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage is affordable and pairs well with simple pantry ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add protein to make it a complete meal.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and minimal prep make this recipe accessible to everyone.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green cabbage, chopped
- Onion, finely chopped
- Ground beef, pork, or turkey (optional, for a protein boost)
- Cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Butter
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Cabbage:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the cabbage for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat (Optional):
- If using ground beef, pork, or turkey, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cabbage in the baking dish.
- Layer with the cooked meat (if using), followed by half of the sauce.
- Repeat the layers, ending with sauce.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and use heavy cream or cream cheese instead of soup for a keto-friendly version.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables for a meatless dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly, and the dish will have a purple hue.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken soup or a homemade béchamel sauce are great alternatives.
4. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Drain the cabbage thoroughly after cooking, and if using meat, drain off excess grease.
5. Can I add rice or noodles to this recipe?
Yes! Precooked rice or egg noodles can be mixed in with the cabbage layers for a heartier dish.
6. How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to crisp up the breadcrumbs and cheese.
7. Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.
8. What sides pair well with cabbage casserole?
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
9. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.
10. Is this dish gluten-free?
Ensure the soup and breadcrumbs are gluten-free, or skip the breadcrumbs altogether.
Conclusion
Cabbage Casserole is a warm and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With its creamy layers, cheesy topping, and versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side, this casserole is sure to please. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal!
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Cabbage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty cabbage casserole is a comforting dish layered with tender cabbage, ground meat, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked under a layer of melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this easy recipe is a great way to enjoy the goodness of cabbage in a flavorful way.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 6 cups), chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for added heartiness)
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. If using cooked rice, stir it in at this point.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the meat and tomato mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture to create layers.
- Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- For a low-carb option, skip the rice or substitute cauliflower rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.