If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious dish, look no further than this Easy Cabbage Casserole. Cabbage is an often-underrated vegetable, but it shines brilliantly in this casserole, lending a hearty and comforting touch to each bite. This dish is a delightful blend of cabbage, tender ground meat, a creamy sauce, and just the right amount of cheese for a melty, golden top. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and offers a satisfying way to enjoy your vegetables. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a family favorite that everyone can enjoy. Get ready to serve up this flavorful, nutritious dish that will warm your heart and fill your home with a savory aroma!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional for a vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Rinse and chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces. Steam or parboil the cabbage in salted water for about 5 minutes to soften it slightly. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (optional), allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- In the greased baking dish, spread half of the cabbage on the bottom.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the cabbage layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the meat mixture.
- Place the remaining cabbage over the meat and sauce, then pour the creamy sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a comforting, hearty main dish!
Cooking Tips:
- For Extra Creaminess: Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer taste.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a hint of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Cheese Variations: Mix up the cheese options by using sharp cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Layering Tips: To create more structure, you can layer the cabbage, meat sauce, and cheese like lasagna, adding extra sauce between each layer.
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage Casserole
This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:
- Cabbage is a fantastic source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, skin health, and aids digestion.
- Carrots bring vitamin A, important for eye health, and are high in antioxidants.
- Lean Ground Meat (if using beef or turkey) provides protein, essential for muscle health and repair.
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
- Cheese offers calcium and protein, though using moderate amounts can help keep the fat content balanced.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With common pantry ingredients and minimal preparation, this casserole is easy to whip up.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy layers with savory cabbage and ground meat make it appealing to all ages.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted for different diets, whether you’re making it vegetarian, low-carb, or adding extra veggies.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it an ideal meal prep option for lunches throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors of this casserole are sure to win over even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Dietary Information
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour in the sauce and use cream instead of milk for a low-carb twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your tomato sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Easily make this vegetarian by using mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond or coconut milk, for a dairy-free version.
Why This Recipe Works
The balance of flavors in this casserole is truly magical. The cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the rich tomato and creamy cheese flavors, while the ground meat adds heartiness and depth. The cheese topping brings it all together, creating a satisfying golden crust that adds texture and flavor. By parboiling the cabbage, we ensure it remains soft without turning mushy, preserving its natural flavor and nutritional benefits. The creamy sauce envelops the casserole, blending the layers into a harmonious, delicious bite every time. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or yourself, this casserole hits all the marks for a comforting and wholesome meal.
Conclusion
This Easy Cabbage Casserole is a wonderful dish to bring into your meal rotation. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, full of flavor, and satisfies all the criteria for comfort food. Whether you make it for a quick dinner or a holiday gathering, this casserole promises to bring joy and warmth to any table. Enjoy this delicious and nourishing recipe that celebrates cabbage in a truly comforting and delicious way!
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Creamy and Delicious Easy Cabbage Casserole
- Total Time: 1hr
Description
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious dish, look no further than this Easy Cabbage Casserole. Cabbage is an often-underrated vegetable, but it shines brilliantly in this casserole, lending a hearty and comforting touch to each bite. This dish is a delightful blend of cabbage, tender ground meat, a creamy sauce, and just the right amount of cheese for a melty, golden top. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and offers a satisfying way to enjoy your vegetables. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a family favorite that everyone can enjoy. Get ready to serve up this flavorful, nutritious dish that will warm your heart and fill your home with a savory aroma!
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional for a vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Rinse and chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces. Steam or parboil the cabbage in salted water for about 5 minutes to soften it slightly. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (optional), allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- In the greased baking dish, spread half of the cabbage on the bottom.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the cabbage layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the meat mixture.
- Place the remaining cabbage over the meat and sauce, then pour the creamy sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a comforting, hearty main dish!
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 45mins