Description
This comforting Cabbage Casserole combines tender boiled cabbage with a savory ground beef mixture enhanced by cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced tomatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty, flavorful American main course that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
Dairy & Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and sauté vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and there is no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Combine beef mixture: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, drained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika into the beef mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Remove the skillet from heat once combined.
- Boil the cabbage: While preparing the beef mixture, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and boil for 5–6 minutes until it is slightly tender but still maintains some texture. Drain the cabbage well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the boiled cabbage evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture layers. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake to perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Let it cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- This casserole reheats well and can be prepared a day in advance, making it convenient for meal planning.
- To lighten the dish or make it vegetarian, use ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute and swap cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free or vegetable-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
