Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This budget-friendly meal is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying – A great balance of protein, vegetables, and cheese for a filling meal.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep work make this a great weeknight dinner.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients for a delicious homemade meal.
- Low-Carb Option – A great alternative to traditional pasta or rice-based casseroles.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the Beef and Vegetables
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Cabbage – Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly wilted.
Prepare the Sauce
- Mix the Cream and Spices – In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add the Cheese – Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Mixture – Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture to the greased baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the top and mix gently.
- Top with Parmesan – Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
Bake and Serve
- Bake – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve – Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield – 4-6 servings
- Preparation Time – 15 minutes
- Cooking Time – 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Extra Vegetables – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for more texture.
- Low-Fat Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Different Cheese – Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese.
Will this casserole be watery?
Cabbage releases moisture as it cooks. To prevent excess liquid, sauté the cabbage longer before baking.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but red cabbage has a slightly different flavor and will change the dish’s color.
How do I make this more keto-friendly?
It’s already low in carbs, but ensure you use full-fat dairy products for a keto-friendly version.
Can I add bacon for extra flavor?
Yes! Cooked and crumbled bacon makes a delicious addition.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream or more cheese for a richer consistency.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the beef and cabbage first, then transfer to a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a simple, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a low-carb alternative to traditional casseroles, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today for a hearty and delicious homemade meal
