Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty winter meals sometimes demand a comforting cabbage casserole that warms you from the inside out.

Layers of tender vegetables and savory seasonings create a delightful one-dish wonder.

Packed with robust flavors, this dish offers a satisfying solution for busy weeknight dinners.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can combine into something extraordinary.

Crisp cabbage mingles with rich cheese and aromatic herbs, promising a meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Families will appreciate the nourishing combination of vegetables and protein tucked into each delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this soul-satisfying casserole.

Why Cabbage Casserole Is the Coziest Comfort Food

• This cabbage casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that saves time and effort.
• Perfect for home cooks looking to level up their culinary game with a straightforward, approachable recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen.
• Maximize affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and pantry staples to create a delicious, filling dish that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Packed with familiar flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.

What Goes into a Good Cabbage Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base that adds hearty flavor and protein to the casserole, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the meat's depth and provide savory undertones, fresh is always best.

• Cabbage: Tender vegetable that creates the casserole's foundation, provides subtle sweetness and nutritional value.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the dish, canned varieties work perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the sauce, helps create rich depth.
• Broth: Provides liquid and additional flavor complexity, chicken or beef broth recommended.
• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that build robust seasoning profile, use fresh herbs when possible.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheese layer that creates golden, crispy surface, adds creamy richness.

• Cooked Rice: Optional ingredient that can be mixed into meat sauce for extra substance.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adds bright color and light herbal note.

How to Make Your Own Cabbage Casserole Dish

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Step 2: Tenderize the Cabbage

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt. Once boiling, tumble in the chopped cabbage. Let it dance in the water for 5 minutes until it softens slightly. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sizzle and stir until the meat turns a beautiful brown and the onions become transparent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Broth
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes. If you’re using cooked rice, mix it in now.

Step 5: Build Your Cabbage Castle

Layer the casserole like a delicious tower:

First layer: Half the cooked cabbage

Second layer: Half the meat and tomato mixture

Repeat with remaining cabbage and meat

Step 6: Cheese Crown

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve with Love

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some chopped parsley on top. Dive in and enjoy your comforting creation!

Tips for a, Flavorful Cabbage Bake

• Boost Flavor Depth: Use a mix of ground meats like beef and pork for a richer, more complex taste profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Reduce Moisture Smartly: Thoroughly drain cabbage and meat to prevent a watery casserole, ensuring a perfect texture and concentrated flavors.
• Create Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions that maintain the recipe's core essence.
• Enhance Cheese Melt: Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling, helping it melt more evenly and create a golden, appetizing top layer.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, which allows flavors to meld and simplifies meal preparation.

Keep That Cabbage Casserole Tasting Great

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F (175C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Cabbage Casserole Pairings to Consider

• Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole and cut through its hearty texture.
• Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Toss a light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's warmth and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Prepare simple roasted zucchini or asparagus with garlic and herbs to add extra nutrition and a complementary vegetable side that echoes the casserole's robust profile.

Variations for a New Spin on Cabbage Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a keto-friendly alternative that maintains the original casserole's hearty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Lentil Swap: Substitute ground beef with cooked green or brown lentils for a protein-packed plant-based option that keeps the casserole's robust texture and savory essence.
• Mediterranean Herb Spin: Incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add oregano and mint, and use lamb instead of beef to create a Greek-inspired variation with rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, swap regular broth for vegetable broth, and choose a dairy-free milk alternative to create a version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Cabbage Casserole Help Guide

• Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use gluten-free tomato paste and broth. Double-check ingredient labels to confirm.

• How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Briefly blanch the cabbage for exactly 5 minutes and drain well. This helps maintain its texture and prevents overcooking during baking.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it directly from the refrigerator.

Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting midwestern cabbage casserole brings hearty warmth to family dinner tables with its savory blend of ground beef, tender cabbage, and creamy sauce. Rich layers of flavor meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each delicious, homestyle bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 1 small head of cabbage (about 6 cups), chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 14.5 ounces can diced tomatoes
• 1 6 ounces can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Add-in:

• 1 cup cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare a steaming hot water bath in a large pot, generously seasoned with salt. Immerse the finely chopped cabbage, allowing it to soften for approximately 5 minutes. Carefully drain and set aside the tender cabbage leaves.
2. Select a robust skillet and place it over medium flame. Introduce ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic, orchestrating their culinary dance until the meat achieves a rich golden-brown hue and onions become translucent. Eliminate any lingering excess fat.
3. Enhance the skillet’s contents with diced tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, savory broth, aromatic paprika, delicate thyme, and a harmonious blend of salt and pepper. Gently incorporate cooked rice if using, letting the mixture simmer and meld flavors for 5 minutes.
4. Orchestrate the casserole’s architecture by creating alternating layers in a prepared baking vessel. Distribute half the cabbage as the foundational layer, followed by a generous portion of the meat and tomato mixture. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even coverage.
5. Crown the casserole with a luxurious blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly across the surface to create a tantalizing golden topping.
6. Encase the dish in aluminum foil, then slide into a preheated oven calibrated to 375°F (190°C). Allow the casserole to bake for 20 minutes, then unveil by removing the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, molten masterpiece.
7. Once removed from the oven, permit the casserole a brief moment of repose for 5-10 minutes. If desired, scatter freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients like broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options that maintain the dish’s hearty texture.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg