Are you tired of the same boring vegetable side dishes that leave your family pushing food around their plates? What if we told you there’s a way to transform humble cabbage into a creamy, comforting dish that even picky eaters will devour?

This cabbage casserole recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner table. In less than an hour, you’ll create a golden, bubbling masterpiece that combines tender cabbage with rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort.

Forget everything you thought you knew about cabbage being bland or boring. This recipe transforms this nutritious vegetable into a hearty, satisfying casserole that rivals any traditional comfort food. The best part? It’s incredibly budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect cabbage casserole recipe:

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds), chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (substitute with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian option)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (white onion works as alternative)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup cooked white rice (brown rice or cauliflower rice for healthier option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well too)
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Red cabbage can substitute green for a more colorful presentation, while different cheese varieties create unique flavor profiles. Ground chicken or even lentils work wonderfully for those seeking lighter protein options.

Timing

This efficient cabbage casserole recipe requires just 55 minutes from start to finish, making it 25% faster than traditional casserole recipes that often take over an hour.

Preparation time: 15 minutes for chopping vegetables and browning meat. Cooking time: 40 minutes total (25 minutes covered, 15 minutes uncovered for golden top). This streamlined approach means you can have dinner ready even on busy weeknights without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures smooth execution and prevents overcooking any ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. The key is achieving a nice brown color for maximum flavor development.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This foundation creates the savory base that elevates the entire dish.

Step 4: Season and Combine

Add oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir in diced tomatoes and cooked rice, mixing everything thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside while you prepare the cabbage layer.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Place half the chopped cabbage in your prepared baking dish. Spread the meat and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage. Top with remaining cabbage, then pour broth evenly over everything. This layering technique ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 6: Initial Bake

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. The steam created during this phase helps tenderize the cabbage while melding all flavors together beautifully.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish

Remove foil and sprinkle 1.5 cups of cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. The final uncovered baking creates that irresistible crispy-topped finish.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining cheese and fresh parsley. This resting period allows the layers to set properly for cleaner serving portions.

Nutritional Information

This cabbage casserole recipe serves 8 people with approximately 285 calories per serving. Each portion provides 22 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of fat, making it a well-balanced meal option.

Cabbage is nutritionally dense, providing 85% of your daily vitamin C needs and significant amounts of vitamin K and folate. The dish contains 4 grams of fiber per serving, supporting digestive health. With only 680mg of sodium per serving, it’s relatively heart-healthy compared to many casserole recipes.

The combination of lean protein and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Studies show that cruciferous vegetables like cabbage may support immune function and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this cheesy cabbage casserole into an even healthier option with these simple swaps. Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey to reduce saturated fat by 40% while maintaining protein content.

Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice to cut carbohydrates in half and add extra vegetables. Use reduced-fat cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still delivers cheesy flavor.

For a completely plant-based version, try seasoned lentils or crumbled tempeh instead of meat. These alternatives provide fiber and plant protein while reducing environmental impact. Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of cheese creates creaminess with added probiotics.

Consider using low-sodium broth and reducing added salt to make this dish more heart-healthy. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can boost flavor without adding calories or sodium.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile casserole shines as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve alongside crusty whole grain bread for sopping up the delicious juices, or add a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for textural contrast.

For special occasions, consider individual ramekin portions topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs. This presentation elevates the humble casserole into an elegant dinner party dish that impresses guests.

Leftover portions make excellent lunch options when paired with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want nutritious, ready-to-heat meals.

During colder months, serve with roasted root vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes for ultimate comfort food satisfaction. The combination creates a warming, filling meal perfect for family gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent pitfalls to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Overcooking the cabbage: Pre-cooking cabbage before assembly leads to mushy texture. Raw cabbage softens perfectly during baking while maintaining slight bite.
• Using too much liquid: Excess broth creates soggy casserole. Stick to the recommended amount as vegetables release natural moisture during cooking.
• Skipping the resting period: Cutting immediately after baking results in runny servings. Five minutes allows layers to set properly.
• Uneven seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings before baking. Under-seasoned meat mixture leads to bland final results.
• Wrong baking dish size: Using dishes that are too small creates overflow, while oversized dishes spread ingredients too thin, affecting cooking times.

Temperature control is crucial – too high heat burns the top before the center cooks through. Always verify your oven temperature with a thermometer for consistent results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage extends the life of your delicious casserole significantly. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking in airtight containers for up to four days. The flavors actually develop and improve during the first day of storage.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Label with date and reheating instructions for easy meal planning. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

When reheating, add a tablespoon of broth or water to prevent drying out. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Oven reheating at 350°F for 15-20 minutes works well for larger portions.

Prepare components ahead by chopping vegetables and browning meat up to two days in advance. Store separately in refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready. This strategy makes weeknight dinners even more manageable.

Conclusion

This easy cabbage casserole recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. In under an hour, you’ve transformed humble cabbage into a satisfying, nutritious meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the budget.

The versatility of this dish means it adapts to your family’s preferences and dietary needs effortlessly. Whether you’re seeking a hearty weeknight dinner or impressive potluck contribution, this casserole delivers every time.

Ready to revolutionize your dinner routine? Try this recipe tonight and discover why cabbage casserole deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Share your creative variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe to help other home cooks find their new favorite comfort food!

Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

This Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Made with tender cabbage, savory ground beef (optional), creamy mushroom soup, and topped with melted cheese and a crunchy topping, it’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can bake this classic casserole in under an hour. Vegetarian and low-carb variations make it versatile for any diet, while its cheesy, golden-baked goodness ensures everyone at the table will love it.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 1995 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef (optional for a meaty version)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
• In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour over cabbage and beef mixture, stirring gently.
• Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, then add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, until casserole is bubbly and topping is golden brown.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add mushrooms or lentils.
• Use different cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss for unique flavors.
• Add cooked rice for a heartier casserole.
• For low-carb version, skip breadcrumbs or use almond flour.