If you’re in the mood for a hearty, family-friendly meal that layers flavor, texture, and pure comfort, let me introduce you to Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. This cozy bake brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce bubbling under a golden crust. It’s the kind of dish everyone returns to for seconds—delivering nostalgia with every bite, yet simple enough for busy weeknights. If you’ve never tried this casserole before, prepare to fall in love with a new classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The building blocks of Cheesy Cabbage Casserole are humble, affordable, and easy to find. Each ingredient shines—whether it’s adding creaminess, savoriness, or a touch of color—and together, they transform into a show-stopping bake your whole table will cheer for.
- Green cabbage: Tender when baked, cabbage melts into the casserole, soaking up all the smoky, cheesy goodness.
- Ground beef: Gives the dish substance and hearty, savory notes; swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Olive oil: Provides a base for sautéing, ensuring the onion and garlic become sweet and fragrant.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to every layer.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves packs a delicious aromatic punch.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Lends rich, creamy texture and umami flavor—try a homemade version or swap in another condensed soup if you like.
- Sour cream: Makes the filling silky and tangy, balancing the cheese and beef.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every single bite.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthy flavor.
- Paprika: Gives color and a mild smokiness that sets this casserole apart.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star “cheesy” element—melts beautifully for the perfect pull-apart finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled over the top, it forms a salty, nutty crust when baked.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Makes everything look fresh and inviting; completely optional, but highly recommended for a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make cleanup a breeze and to prevent any precious cheesy edges from sticking. A little prep now guarantees a stress-free finish later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns soft, translucent, and fragrant—about three to four minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just thirty seconds so it releases its enticing aroma. Next, break up the ground beef into the skillet. Let it brown and sizzle, stirring until fully cooked, then drain away any extra fat. You’ve just built the irresistible foundation for Cheesy Cabbage Casserole.
Step 3: Blanch the Cabbage
Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the chopped cabbage and let it cook for five minutes. This quick blanch softens the leaves, so they practically melt into the casserole later. Drain thoroughly—you want minimal extra moisture in your bake.
Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until you have a smooth, decadent sauce that will cloak every bite in creamy, savory comfort.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Add the blanched cabbage and the cooked beef mixture to your bowl of cheesy sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated and intertwined. Spoon this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan evenly over the top—this is where that signature Cheesy Cabbage Casserole golden crust comes from. Bake uncovered for twenty-five to thirty minutes, until the casserole is bubbling hot and gloriously golden on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is hot and bubbling, remove from the oven and, if you’re feeling fancy, scatter chopped parsley across the top. This fresh finishing touch both looks and tastes like pure joy.
How to Serve Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley over the Cheesy Cabbage Casserole adds instant vibrancy and pairs beautifully with the creamy richness beneath. For even more flair, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a swirl of extra sour cream on each plate. These little touches create a beautiful finish and boost the flavor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs so well with simple, fresh sides. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots for color and crunch. Serve warm, crusty bread to scoop up every drop of creamy sauce and make it a true comfort feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, bake Cheesy Cabbage Casserole in individual ramekins—guests adore their own golden-topped servings. Or spoon it into bell pepper halves before baking for a fun, edible presentation. Leftovers make delicious crisped patties when lightly pan-fried, or turn them into filling for wraps the next day. The possibilities are truly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save any extra Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, let it cool to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making for incredibly satisfying lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Once cooled, slice into portions and wrap them tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this helps the top stay crispy and the cheese gooey. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly, though you might want to add a splash of milk to keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I substitute other meats for the ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work perfectly in Cheesy Cabbage Casserole, offering a lighter flavor and lowering the fat content while still delivering all the comfort and richness.
Is Cheesy Cabbage Casserole gluten-free?
If you use a certified gluten-free condensed soup, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check the soup label to be sure; all other ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets.
Can I prep this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble Cheesy Cabbage Casserole a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate before baking, then simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
Mix in a can of diced tomatoes or some cooked rice for extra heartiness, or add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for more veggie power. A pinch of crushed red pepper can give it a subtle kick, if you like some spice!
How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain the blanched cabbage thoroughly before mixing it in. Pressing out excess moisture with a towel can help as well. This keeps your Cheesy Cabbage Casserole creamy rather than soupy when baked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that feels like a hug on a plate, Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is calling your name. It’s tried and true, gloriously simple, and absolutely packed with the kind of flavor that brings everyone back to the table. I hope you’ll give this comforting dish a try and discover just how special it can be for your family!
Print
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. A satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the onion and beef: In a skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the cabbage: Boil chopped cabbage in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Mix the ingredients: Combine mushroom soup, sour cream, spices, and 1 cup of cheddar. Add cabbage and beef, mix well.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer mixture to dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked rice or using diced tomatoes instead of some of the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
