The Best Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort arrives with this hearty cheesy cabbage casserole that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

My grandmother first discovered this recipe during a winter when ingredients were scarce.

Cabbage transforms into a creamy, indulgent dish that surprises even vegetable skeptics.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that calls you closer to the kitchen.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical way that feels like a culinary hug.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Crisp edges and a soft center make this casserole impossible to resist.

Cabbage Casserole That’s Cheesy and Comforting

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Transforms humble cabbage into a hearty, delicious dinner that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing fast, satisfying meals.
• Adaptable Protein Powerhouse: Easily customize by adding ground beef, sausage, or keeping it vegetarian, making this casserole flexible for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Comfort Food Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers rich, cheesy goodness with a crunchy cracker topping that appeals to kids and adults alike, creating that nostalgic homestyle cooking experience everyone craves.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Uses affordable ingredients like cabbage and pantry staples, providing a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole What Goes In

Main Ingredients:

• Cabbage: A hearty base that provides great texture and mild sweetness for the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic foundation to the dish.

• Ground Beef, Sausage: Optional protein that adds richness and makes the casserole more substantial; can choose based on personal preference.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that brings creamy, tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps with cooking and creating golden toppings.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy base and adds umami depth to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky note and beautiful color to the casserole.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice to the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Creates a crispy, buttery golden topping that adds crunch and texture.

How to Cook Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Sliced cabbage

Cook until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

If using meat, cook ground beef or sausage in a separate pan until completely browned.

Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until smooth.

Fold in the sautéed vegetables, cooked meat, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Layer and Top the Casserole

Transfer the cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top.

In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then scatter this crumbly topping over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this hearty meal with a side of cornbread for a complete dinner experience.

Cabbage Casserole Tips That Add the Cheddar Magic

• Drain cooked cabbage thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and appetizing casserole.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Omit meat completely and replace with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on protein.
• Toast the cracker crumbs slightly before adding to the casserole for an extra crispy and golden-brown crunchy layer that adds delightful texture.

Keep Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Covered

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of milk to maintain moisture.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Complements

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich, cheesy flavors and cut through the casserole's creamy texture.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a light, crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Rustic Cornbread: Bake a simple, slightly sweet cornbread that echoes the Southern comfort food style and soaks up the casserole's savory sauce perfectly.
• Enhance with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the dish's rich, cheesy profile.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Bake Ideas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative. Add extra mushrooms or lentils for protein boost and hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping. Use cauliflower instead of cabbage for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Replace cream of mushroom soup with cashew cream or coconut milk-based sauce.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace paprika with chili powder. Mix in black beans and corn for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this casserole gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains Ritz crackers and cream of mushroom soup, which typically have gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers and check soup ingredients.

• Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef or sausage and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more protein and flavor.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Ensure you drain excess moisture from cabbage after sautéing and avoid adding extra liquid. Pat cabbage dry with paper towels before mixing into the casserole.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy cabbage casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending hearty vegetables with rich, melted cheese. Warm family memories and simple ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef or sausage (optional)

Vegetables and Base:

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet, gently cooking until the vegetable softens and becomes slightly tender, stirring intermittently to ensure even heat distribution.
4. If incorporating meat, brown ground beef or sausage in a separate pan, carefully draining any accumulated fat to maintain a clean flavor profile.
5. Create a creamy binding sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a blend of seasonings including garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Fold the sautéed cabbage and onions into the creamy mixture, integrating the cooked meat if desired.
7. Incorporate the first portion of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the cabbage blend to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a potential golden crust.
10. Crush Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter, then generously scatter the crumb mixture over the casserole for a crisp, textured topping.
11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns golden and the interior becomes bubbling hot.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the ingredients to set and flavors to meld.
13. Serve warm, presenting as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course accompanied by cornbread.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty texture and flavor.
• Use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Toast the cracker topping separately for extra crunch if you want a more crispy, golden-brown texture on top of the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Swiss or Gruyère to add unexpected depth and richness to the traditional cheddar profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg