Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is one of those classic, cozy dishes that feels like a hug in a baking dish. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor – the kind of meal you make once and immediately add to your regular dinner rotation.

What makes this casserole special? It combines the savory richness of ground beef with tender cabbage and a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and the kind of dinner your whole family will ask for again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping for a family get-together, this dish delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy techniques here. If you can brown beef and chop a cabbage, you’re already halfway there.

Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are both affordable ingredients, and this recipe stretches them into a full, satisfying meal.

Comforting and Cozy: Creamy sauce, melted cheese, and warm flavors make this casserole pure comfort food.

Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Suitable For

This recipe is a winner for:

• Busy families looking for a reliable, filling dinner.

• Beginner cooks who want something simple but satisfying.

• Anyone on a low-carb or keto journey (just skip the breadcrumb topping and use low-carb soup).

• Potluck parties or holidays, where warm, crowd-pleasing dishes are always welcome.

Ingredients for Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Core Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients. This dish is built on easy-to-find items that pack in big flavor:

• Ground beef (1 lb): Go for 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Just enough to get things going in the pan.

• Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because every great casserole starts with garlic.

• Cabbage (1 small head, chopped): The star of the show – it cooks down beautifully and soaks up all the creamy goodness.

• Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Forms the base of the sauce.

• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and tang.

• Heavy cream or milk (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.

• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melty, flavorful, and comforting.

• Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): For that irresistible cheese pull.

• Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme: Your seasoning dream team.

• Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): For a golden, crunchy topping.

Substitutions and Tips

Make it your own! Here are a few simple swaps:

• Out of sour cream? Greek yogurt works just as well and adds a nice tang.

• No cream of mushroom soup? Use cream of chicken, or make a quick homemade white sauce.

• Want to lighten it up? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

• Going low-carb? Skip the crackers or breadcrumbs and enjoy it as is.

• Add-ins: Diced bell peppers, a handful of cooked bacon, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring extra personality to your casserole.

This recipe is flexible, forgiving, and full of potential – the kind you can play with and still end up with something delicious.

Best Cheese for Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Cheese lovers, this is your moment. One of the best parts of this casserole is the rich, melty cheese layer on top. It brings everything together with that golden, bubbly finish that makes you want to dive in fork first.

Cheddar is a must here—sharp or mild, it adds that bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and creamy sauce. Then we mix in mozzarella, which melts like a dream and gives you those delicious stretchy bites.

Want to get fancy? Swap in a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack for extra depth. Even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a salty, crispy edge. Just be sure to shred your cheese fresh if you can—it melts more smoothly and tastes better than the pre-shredded kind.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive into cooking, let’s get your kitchen set up. Don’t worry—you don’t need any special gadgets to pull this off.

Must-Have Tools

• Large Skillet: This is your main workspace. You’ll cook the beef, cabbage, and sauce all in here.

• Mixing Bowl: Great for stirring up the cream sauce.

• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for this casserole. Glass or ceramic both work well.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Mandoline Slicer: If you’re short on time, this helps shred cabbage in seconds. Just watch those fingers.

• Cheese Grater: For fresh shredded cheese—worth it for the melt and flavor.

• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Handy for stirring and scooping.

The beauty of this dish is that you don’t need a fancy setup. As long as you’ve got the basics, you’re good to go.

How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Alright, let’s bring this casserole to life. The steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly, with plenty of room for flexibility. You’ve got this.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish—nonstick spray or a little butter will do the trick. This keeps cleanup easy and helps the casserole release nicely when serving.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In your large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain off the excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks so you get even browning and smaller crumbles.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Garlic

Now the flavor magic begins. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let it cook for another minute or so—just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices start to bloom.

Smoked paprika gives this casserole a warm, smoky depth that plays beautifully with the creaminess to come.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir everything together. It may seem like a lot at first, but it’ll cook down quickly. Let it sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften and shrink.

Pro Tip: Don’t cook the cabbage too long—it will continue softening in the oven. You want it tender, not mushy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce

While the cabbage is cooking, grab your mixing bowl. Stir together:

• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

Mix it well until smooth and creamy. Then pour this luscious sauce into the skillet with your beef and cabbage. Give it a good stir so everything is coated and cozy.

Want a lighter version? Use milk instead of heavy cream, or sub in low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the cheddar cheese and mozzarella over the top. Don’t be shy—this is the part that gets golden and bubbly in the oven.

If you’re feeling it, now’s the time to add that optional crushed cracker or breadcrumb topping for a crispy finish.

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is melted, golden, and irresistibly bubbly.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh cabbage—pre-shredded mixes won’t give you the same hearty texture.

• Drain your beef well to avoid a greasy base.

• Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. It helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a subtle depth—just a little goes a long way.

• Taste as you go—you can always add more salt or spice if needed.

Once you get the hang of this, it becomes one of those “back-pocket” meals—easy, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic or start experimenting with add-ins, this casserole’s always a win.

How to Store Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

One of the great things about this casserole—aside from how delicious it is—is how well it stores. Whether you’re making it ahead, saving leftovers, or freezing it for another day, this dish is incredibly freezer- and fridge-friendly.

At Room Temperature

Once baked, this casserole can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to transfer it to the fridge to keep things safe and fresh. If you’re serving it at a potluck or gathering, just keep an eye on the time.

In the Refrigerator

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back the creamy texture if it thickens a bit in the fridge.

Freezing Tips

This casserole also freezes like a champ. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add fresh cheese on top before baking if you want to refresh that golden crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole (minus the topping if using crackers) and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just add the topping and bake as directed. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weekdays or holiday prep.

Is it keto or low-carb friendly?

It can be! Just skip the cracker or breadcrumb topping and make sure your cream of mushroom soup is low-carb (or make your own version using heavy cream, mushrooms, and broth). The rest of the ingredients fit well into a low-carb lifestyle.

Can I use red cabbage instead?

You can, but keep in mind that red cabbage has a slightly different texture and color. It’ll give the dish a purple hue and might take a bit longer to soften. Flavor-wise, it works just fine—just a bit earthier than green cabbage.

What should I serve with this casserole?

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs nicely with:

• A crisp green salad

• Buttery dinner rolls

• Roasted or steamed veggies

• Mashed potatoes (if you’re not going low-carb)

It’s also a great centerpiece for a casual dinner with friends or a cozy Sunday meal with family.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole, you might enjoy these cozy dishes:

• Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole: A low-carb casserole packed with beefy flavor and a hint of sweetness.

• Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread: The perfect combo of sweet, savory, and satisfying.

• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: Creamy, cheesy, and just the thing for a hearty dinner.

• Chicken Mushroom Pasta: A creamy pasta dish that’s comfort in a bowl.

• Pepper Steak: Tender beef strips with veggies in a savory sauce.

Conclusion

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of recipe that’s meant to be shared. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor—the perfect dinner when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning ahead for the week, or just craving a good old-fashioned casserole, this dish has you covered. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to comfort food.

And if you give it your own twist—maybe a sprinkle of bacon or a dash of spice—be sure to let others know how it turned out. Recipes like this are meant to be passed around.

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