Creamed Cabbage And Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Homestyle Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

My grandma’s creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole delights every hungry soul around our dinner table.

Cozy comfort arrives through hearty ingredients carefully layered with love.

Hearty textures blend perfectly inside this rustic midwestern dish.

Winter evenings feel warmer when such substantial meals emerge from the kitchen.

Rich flavors mingle between tender beef and soft vegetable layers.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket that makes every bite irresistible.

Join me in celebrating this classic recipe that fills bellies and warms hearts.

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Ingredients

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that forms the main body of the casserole, best when lean for less grease.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich cheese toppings that provide a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
Vegetable Components:
  • Cabbage: Tender vegetable that adds texture and subtle sweetness, works well with creamy sauces.
  • Onion: Aromatic base that provides depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall flavor complexity.
Liquid and Seasoning Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious binding agent that creates a rich and smooth sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing vegetables and meat.
  • Paprika: Warm spice that adds mild heat and vibrant color.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

Creamed Cabbage with Ground Beef Steps

Creamed Cabbage with Ground Beef Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

This will create the perfect temperature for our delicious casserole to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown the Meat

Grab a large skillet and drizzle some olive oil.

Toss in these ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Let them dance and become fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until it turns a beautiful rich brown.

If there’s extra grease, give it a quick drain.

Step 3: Welcome the Cabbage

Fold in the chopped cabbage and let it softly wilt for 5-7 minutes.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle these seasonings:
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let everything simmer and mingle together, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Shower the top with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to devour.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving.

Enjoy your comforting, cheesy creation!

Casserole Tips for Creamed Cabbage & Beef Comfort

Experiment with different cheese combinations like Swiss, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles that complement the beef and cabbage.

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.

Adjust heavy cream amount for a lighter or richer sauce – less cream makes a drier dish, while more creates a more luxurious texture.

Replace traditional casserole with cauliflower rice or use a low-carb cheese topping for a keto-friendly version that maintains the original dish’s essence.

Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, making meal planning easier and saving time during busy weeknights.

Store Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Carefully transfer cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers, where it can last up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Warm refrigerated portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Quickly heat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and preserve the casserole's creamy consistency.

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Accompaniments

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, creamy beef and cuts through the casserole's heaviness with its tannic structure.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft casserole.
  • Add Fresh Green Salad: Create a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
  • Include Pickled Side Dish: Offer quick-pickled vegetables like cornichons or pickled onions to add a zesty, acidic element that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty casserole.

Cabbage Beef Casserole Creamy Adjustments

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the creamy texture and hearty flavor of the original dish.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese to create a lactose-free option that's still rich and satisfying.
  • Vegetarian Protein Version: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a meat-free casserole that keeps the same comforting profile and nutritional balance.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add chopped spinach, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to give the casserole a Greek-inspired flavor profile while keeping the core cooking method intact.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even vegetarian ground meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this dish suitable for low-carb diets?

Absolutely! Cabbage is a low-carb vegetable, making this casserole a great option for those following ketogenic or low-carb eating plans.

  • How can I make the casserole more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more depth to the dish.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cabbage and Beef Casserole That’s Pure Comfort Food

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this hearty casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly Delight: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, creamy texture combined with ground beef and tender cabbage, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast from the dinner table.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilize affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage to create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-dish recipe that combines protein, vegetables, and cheese in a simple, streamlined cooking process from stovetop to oven.
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Creamed Cabbage And Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Creamed Cabbage And Ground Beef Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole invites comfort with its rich, layered flavors and home-style charm. Warm, satisfying ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a delightful meal that feels like a culinary hug from grandma’s kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm the kitchen oven to a moderate 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the hearty casserole.
  2. In a spacious skillet, awaken the olive oil over medium temperature, introducing finely diced onions and fragrant garlic. Sauté these aromatics until the onions turn translucent and transparent.
  3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning the meat thoroughly and breaking it into delicate crumbles. Carefully drain any excess fat to maintain a clean, lean texture.
  4. Gently fold chopped cabbage into the meat mixture, allowing it to soften and meld with the savory proteins. Let the vegetables dance and carmelize for 5-7 minutes, releasing their subtle flavors.
  5. Stream rich heavy cream over the skillet, awakening the dish with depth. Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to create a harmonious blend of seasonings.
  6. Allow the mixture to simmer, developing complexity and allowing ingredients to whisper their flavors together for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Transfer the aromatic mixture into a generously greased 9×13 inch baking vessel, creating an inviting canvas for the final touches.
  8. Lavishly crown the casserole with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, then dust with delicate grated Parmesan for an irresistible golden finish.
  9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, letting it bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, bronzed masterpiece.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the flavors settle and intensify before serving.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and make the dish healthier.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
  • Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit cheese for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 511
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 792 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 109 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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