Cabbage Casserole

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Cabbage Casserole is the dish for you. It’s warm, hearty, and has that delicious, savory quality that makes you feel like you’re getting a big hug from the inside. Cabbage, often overlooked, gets a starring role here as it absorbs all the flavors of the casserole and becomes tender and full of deliciousness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be on your regular rotation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

• Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight meal or as a hearty side dish at gatherings. Imagine the smell of this casserole filling your kitchen after a long day—pure comfort.
• Budget-Friendly: It uses simple, affordable ingredients, like cabbage, cheese, and breadcrumbs. It’s a great option when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something delicious.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep, this casserole is ready to go. Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, you can easily pull this one off!
• Customizable: Whether you prefer more veggies, different cheeses, or even a dash of spice, this casserole is easy to make your own. Throw in some sausage or bacon if you want a meatier version!
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit with everyone—kids, adults, you name it. This casserole is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an easy choice for any crowd.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create a warm, satisfying dish. Let’s break it down:

Cabbage:

The star of the show. Cabbage is hearty and absorbs all the savory goodness of the dish. It becomes tender as it bakes and gives the casserole its satisfying texture.

Ground Beef or Sausage:

Adds a savory depth to the dish. The richness of the beef (or sausage) helps balance out the cabbage and brings a nice, hearty flavor. Feel free to swap for a vegetarian option if you prefer!

Onion:

A must for building flavor! The onion gets tender as it cooks and adds a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cabbage and meat.

Cheese:

We’re using both shredded cheddar and mozzarella here. The cheddar brings sharpness, while the mozzarella adds gooey, melty goodness. The combination creates that irresistible cheese pull when you serve it!

Breadcrumbs:

These are the key to that crispy, golden topping that everyone loves. The breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft and tender casserole.

Seasonings:

Salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These simple seasonings bring all the flavors together, making each bite flavorful without being overpowering.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting casserole:

Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets perfectly bubbly and golden.

Cook the Meat:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set aside.

Sauté the Onion:

In the same skillet, add a bit of oil or butter and sauté the onions until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This helps develop the sweetness of the onions, which adds so much flavor to the casserole.

Prepare the Cabbage:

While the meat and onions are cooking, chop your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You want it to be manageable for serving, so cut it into smaller pieces that’ll fit in each bite.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat and onions with the chopped cabbage. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and your seasonings. Mix until everything is well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish:

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with breadcrumbs for that crispy, golden topping.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. You may want to check halfway through to make sure the breadcrumbs don’t burn.

Finishing Touches:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve warm and enjoy! Whether you pair it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cabbage Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad contrasts perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. Garlic bread is always a hit!
• Creamy Accompaniments: A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt makes a nice creamy addition, complementing the savory casserole.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots or green beans, work well with the dish and add extra nutrients.
• As a Standalone: Honestly, this casserole is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own. Just sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!

Presentation matters too! Serving the casserole in a rustic, family-style dish makes it feel like a cozy, home-cooked meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Prep Ahead: Chop the cabbage and prep your ingredients the night before to save time. You can even assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and bake it when you’re ready.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Dietary Adjustments: Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can also go meatless by using mushrooms or lentils as a substitute for the meat.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Double the Batch: This casserole freezes well! Make a double batch and freeze one for an easy meal later on.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes, you can! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work wonderfully in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or your favorite type of meat.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen (you may need to increase the baking time).

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A7: Definitely! Swap the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based protein to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
A8: Absolutely! You can add in things like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A9: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyère, Swiss, or even a sharp Parmesan would be wonderful in this casserole.

Q10: How can I make the casserole spicier?
A10: If you love heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a little hot sauce to the mix.

Conclusion

Cabbage Casserole is the perfect dish when you want something comforting, easy to make, and totally satisfying. With its layers of tender cabbage, savory meat, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit every time you make it. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just in need of a hearty meal, this casserole has you covered. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish!

Print