If you’re after that nostalgic comfort food hit (without slaving over the stove all day), look no further than Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole. This hearty classic is every bit as creamy, cheesy, and soul-warming as your best family memories. Tender cabbage, juicy beef, and a silky, rich sauce meld together under a bubbly layer of cheddar—this is the casserole you’ll crave on chilly nights, family potlucks, or anytime you need a little edible hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are the backbone of character and flavor in this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole. Each one plays a key role in delivering richness, subtle tang, and that comforting melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Ground Beef: Brings heartiness and savory depth—choose lean for less grease, or regular for extra juiciness.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of bite, forming the aromatic base of the casserole.
- Garlic: Just two cloves brighten and deepen every scoop—don’t skip!
- Green Cabbage: When sautéed, it tenderizes beautifully and soaks up all the creamy flavors.
- Butter: Essential for richness and beginning the creamy sauce; salted or unsalted both work well.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce just right, giving your casserole its luxurious creaminess.
- Milk: Use whole milk for best texture, creating a smooth sauce that brings everything together.
- Sour Cream: Contributes a tangy creaminess that lifts the whole dish.
- Dijon Mustard: A small spoonful offers complexity and a gentle bite—so worth it!
- Salt and Black Pepper: These basics are crucial for seasoning, so taste as you go.
- Cheddar Cheese: For gooey layers and a golden, melty topping. Try extra sharp if you like bold flavor.
- Paprika (Optional): Adds a finishing sprinkle of color and subtle smoky warmth.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional for Garnish): Lends freshness and a pop of green for serving flair.
How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook while stirring occasionally—about 6 to 8 minutes—until the beef is browned and the onions are softened and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic and let it mingle for just a minute. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat; it keeps the casserole from turning greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Cabbage
In the same skillet, melt your butter and toss in the chopped cabbage. Give it about 6 to 8 minutes to break down a bit and become irresistibly tender. Watch it shrink and absorb the buttery goodness—it’s the beginnings of that creamy base you want.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened cabbage and stir for a minute to cook off the raw flavor. Now, slowly whisk in the milk. Stir constantly as it begins to thicken—that takes just a few minutes, but your patience will pay off. Once it’s creamy, add in the sour cream, Dijon, salt, pepper, and one cup of that glorious cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is perfectly smooth and unified.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Bring back the cooked beef and onion mixture—stir it right into your creamy cabbage base. Make sure everything is well mixed so every bite is packed with beefy, cheesy, cabbage-y flavor. Pour and spread this luscious mix into your prepared baking dish for even baking.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese evenly across the top. For a little color and subtle spice, dust with paprika if you like. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until everything is bubbling and the top is golden and irresistible. Let it rest for just 5 minutes before serving—this makes slicing easier and helps flavors meld.
How to Serve Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the dish, making each portion look as inviting as it tastes. If you want a little extra color, a touch more paprika or thinly sliced green onions also make a great presentation.
Side Dishes
The rich and creamy nature of Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole pairs perfectly with lighter sides. A crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or even some simple roasted carrots cut through the richness and bring balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve it straight from the baking dish for cozy, rustic charm. If you’re hosting, scoop portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party vibe. For a fun twist, try piling it onto baked potatoes or stuffing it into sweet bell pepper halves before baking for an all-in-one meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully. Simply cover the casserole tightly with foil, or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors can even deepen after a night in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
Cooled Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap portions well or store the whole casserole in a freezer-safe dish. For best texture, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes for a whole dish or less for individual portions. You can also microwave a serving in a pinch—just cover and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between, for the creamiest results.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharp flavor, you can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or try Monterey Jack for a milder profile. Even a handful of Parmesan on top gives lovely umami.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour for thickening. For a gluten-free version, swap with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or skip the flour entirely and stir in an ounce of cream cheese for thickening.
Can I make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, add the final cheese topping and bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage?
Quarter the head, remove the tough core, then slice crosswise into thin ribbons or bite-sized pieces. This helps the cabbage cook quickly and evenly in the creamy sauce.
Is Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy sauce and cheesy top make it a favorite for even picky eaters. If the kids don’t love cabbage, chopping it finely and blending with the beef makes it nearly invisible but still nutritious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate easy comfort food that delivers both nostalgia and flavor, you won’t regret making Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole. It’s a weeknight winner, a potluck pleaser, and always a request in my house—give it a try and watch it become a favorite on your table, too!
Print
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 6 cups), chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef and onion: In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté cabbage and make sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté cabbage until soft. Sprinkle flour, stir, then slowly add milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in sour cream, mustard, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Combine and bake: Add cooked beef to the skillet, mix, then transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and paprika. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, skip the flour and thicken the sauce with cream cheese.
- This dish reheats well and can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
