If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and downright delicious, this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender cabbage and savory ground beef with a luscious creamy sauce that binds everything together perfectly, topped with melty cheese for that extra satisfying touch. This dish is not only super hearty but also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to for family dinners or when you want a true home-cooked classic that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe calls for everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a comforting symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the savoriness of the ground beef, the subtle sweetness of the cabbage, or the creamy richness of the mushroom soup and cheese.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use fresh ground beef for rich flavor and perfect texture.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: Adds tenderness and a slight sweetness, balancing the heartiness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Infuses the dish with a gentle savory base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a wonderful aromatic lift without overpowering.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: The creamy backbone that keeps everything moist and luscious.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess for depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For warmth and a subtle smoky edge.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts into a golden crust that tops this casserole deliciously.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: For sautéing and boosting flavor.
- Optional – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Perfect if you enjoy a little zing of spice.
How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Start by heating your olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Allow it to brown nicely until it’s fully cooked through, then drain any excess fat. This step ensures a rich, meaty foundation for your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Use the same skillet to sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic just until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the chopped cabbage and cook it down by stirring occasionally. This softens the cabbage beautifully while still keeping a bit of bite. It takes about 5-7 minutes, and it brings a lovely natural sweetness to the dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Once the cabbage is tender, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Mix everything until the sauce coats the vegetables evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika for that warm, comforting flavor. If you like it spicy, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to give it a surprising kick.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Vegetables
Return the cooked ground beef to your skillet, stirring it into the creamy cabbage mixture until everything is fully combined. This melding of ingredients is what makes the Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe so hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This even layering helps the casserole bake uniformly for a perfect final texture.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Whether you choose sharp cheddar for punchy flavor or mozzarella for gooey meltiness, that layer of cheese is the finishing touch that pulls everything together.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with golden edges, while the casserole is warmed through perfectly, ready to be enjoyed.
Step 8: Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before scooping onto plates. This brief rest allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and giving you the chance to savor the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
How to Serve Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh burst of color and flavor to your Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. You could also dust a little extra paprika on top for a pretty, rustic finish – it makes each serving look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables creates a nice balance. Lightly buttered dinner rolls or crusty bread are also excellent companions for soaking up every bit of creamy goodness left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for charming single portions. For added flair, top each serving with a fried egg or crispy bacon bits to surprise guests with new textures and flavors on an old favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil or a freezer-safe lid, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole with foil and heat it in a 350°F oven until warm throughout. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top during reheating is a wonderful way to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to lighten the dish, and they blend beautifully with the creamy textures and flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative and choose a plant-based cream soup. Using dairy-free cheese also makes this casserole friendly for those avoiding dairy.
How do I know when the cabbage is cooked enough?
The cabbage should be tender but still retain some structure, usually around 5-7 minutes of cooking in the skillet. It shouldn’t be mushy, so keep an eye while stirring for that perfect balance.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes it super convenient for busy evenings or entertaining.
What kind of cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, rich flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder taste and excellent meltiness. Feel free to mix both or use your favorite melting cheese to match your preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly soul-warming about the Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe, and I can’t recommend it enough for those nights when you want comfort and convenience wrapped into one. It’s accessible, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. So go ahead, give it a try, and make it your own – this casserole just might become your next favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining savory browned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a creamy mushroom soup-based sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for a satisfying family meal that blends simple ingredients into a flavorful baked dish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery or chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Seasonings & Other
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for cooking
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. Next, add the chopped cabbage and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and reduces in size, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: When the cabbage is tender, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until the mixture is evenly combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste. For a spicy kick, mix in the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Combine Meat and Vegetables: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and thoroughly mix it with the creamy cabbage mixture. Once combined well, remove the skillet from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or chicken soup according to your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce.
- If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use low-fat sour cream and cheese to reduce calories if desired.
