Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that combines a perfect balance of hearty meat, fresh cabbage, and melted cheese. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, offering satisfying flavors and textures that leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or serving it at a weekend gathering, this casserole is a winner every time. The creamy layers and crispy, cheesy topping are sure to impress, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a simple, filling meal that delivers on both taste and comfort.
PrintCabbage Ground Beef Casserole: A Hearty, Creamy, and Comforting Dish
Craving something hearty and satisfying? Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole is your answer! 🧆🥬 Packed with layers of savory ground beef and creamy cabbage, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a cozy classic everyone will love! 💕
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- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1. Lean Ground Beef (1 pound)
The star of the casserole, the lean ground beef, brings both flavor and protein to the dish. Its savory richness serves as the foundation for the casserole, making it satisfying and filling. Ground beef also absorbs the flavors from the other ingredients, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken, which will still provide a hearty base with a lighter touch.
2. Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Seasoning is key when it comes to enhancing the natural flavors of your ingredients. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to season the ground beef while browning it. These basic seasonings allow the other flavors to shine without overpowering the dish.
3. Green Cabbage (1 small head)
Cabbage is a key component of this casserole, adding texture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the beef. When cooked down, cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the savory flavors of the beef and seasonings, making it an integral part of the dish. The cabbage is chopped into coarse pieces to ensure it cooks down properly and distributes evenly throughout the casserole.
4. Medium Onion (1)
The onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish. As it cooks with the cabbage and beef, it softens and caramelizes slightly, bringing a savory complexity to the flavor profile. Onions are a staple in many casseroles, and they help build the foundational flavor that enhances the overall experience.
5. Salted Butter (8 tablespoons)
Butter is essential for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and a subtle creaminess to the casserole. It helps to soften the cabbage and onions, infusing them with flavor and providing a smooth texture when mixed with the other ingredients.
6. Condensed Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10 ounces)
The cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup is what makes this casserole ultra-creamy. It acts as a binder, bringing everything together and creating that luscious, velvety sauce that coats the cabbage and beef. It also adds a savory note that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with a reduced-fat version of the soup.
7. Mayonnaise (⅓ cup)
Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole, adding a bit of tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients. It also helps bind the soup and beef mixture, ensuring that the casserole holds together beautifully when served. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, which will provide the same creamy texture but with a slightly tangy twist.
8. Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, divided)
Cheddar cheese adds that irresistible cheesy flavor that makes casseroles so comforting. The sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy taste that stands up well against the savory beef and creamy sauce. Half of the cheese is mixed into the casserole filling, while the rest is used to top the casserole, creating a bubbly, golden crust. If you prefer a milder cheese, you can use mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
9. Ritz Crackers (30, coarsely crushed)
The Ritz crackers form the perfect topping for this casserole. They create a crispy, buttery layer that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, creamy interior of the casserole. The crackers soak up some of the flavors from the casserole while still maintaining a crunch. This topping adds both texture and flavor, elevating the dish to the next level.
10. Melted Butter (3 tablespoons)
Melted butter is mixed with the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring that they crisp up perfectly during baking. The butter adds a rich, golden hue and helps the crackers brown evenly, giving the casserole a beautiful, crispy topping that everyone will love.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden on top. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large nonstick skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly in the dish. - Sauté the Cabbage and Onions
Wipe the skillet clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and diced onions to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. The cabbage will soften and reduce in size as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but be mindful of the sodium content in the condensed soup. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the cabbage has softened and the onions are translucent, remove the skillet from the heat and spread the cabbage mixture evenly over the ground beef in the baking dish. - Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed soup, mayonnaise, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture will be spread over the cabbage and beef, adding a creamy, cheesy layer to the casserole. Stir the ingredients until well combined, ensuring that the soup and cheese are evenly distributed. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy soup mixture over the cabbage and beef, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. This will create a luscious, creamy layer that binds the ingredients together and ensures every bite is full of flavor. - Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The buttery crackers mixed with the cheese will form a golden, crispy topping as the casserole bakes. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. - Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The casserole will bubble as it cooks, and the topping will turn golden brown and crispy. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ground Meat Substitutes: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. These options will provide a similar texture but with a lighter flavor. For a more indulgent twist, consider using sausage or ground pork for a richer taste.
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar cheese is the star here, you can experiment with different cheeses depending on your preferences. Monterey Jack or Gouda will melt beautifully, while Parmesan can add a touch of nuttiness.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. This will add a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole.
- Vegetable Additions: For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add additional vegetables to the casserole. Chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach would work wonderfully in this dish, adding color, texture, and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Many gluten-free options are available in stores, and they will provide the same crispy topping without the gluten.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
This casserole is a blend of rich ingredients that meld together beautifully in a warm, golden dish. Each bite offers a delightful combination of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a luscious, cheesy sauce. The Ritz cracker topping adds a lovely crunch, providing a wonderful contrast to the softness of the casserole’s interior. It’s a great dish for anyone who loves layered flavors with a satisfying depth and heartiness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients and make it your own.
In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare this delightful dish, provide tips for ingredient substitutions, and offer suggestions for how to serve it in different ways to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a dish to impress guests, Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create the perfect Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s go over what you’ll need and how each element contributes to the final dish.
1. Lean Ground Beef (1 pound)
The star of the casserole, the lean ground beef, brings both flavor and protein to the dish. Its savory richness serves as the foundation for the casserole, making it satisfying and filling. Ground beef also absorbs the flavors from the other ingredients, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken, which will still provide a hearty base with a lighter touch.
2. Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Seasoning is key when it comes to enhancing the natural flavors of your ingredients. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to season the ground beef while browning it. These basic seasonings allow the other flavors to shine without overpowering the dish.
3. Green Cabbage (1 small head)
Cabbage is a key component of this casserole, adding texture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the beef. When cooked down, cabbage becomes tender and absorbs the savory flavors of the beef and seasonings, making it an integral part of the dish. The cabbage is chopped into coarse pieces to ensure it cooks down properly and distributes evenly throughout the casserole.
4. Medium Onion (1)
The onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the dish. As it cooks with the cabbage and beef, it softens and caramelizes slightly, bringing a savory complexity to the flavor profile. Onions are a staple in many casseroles, and they help build the foundational flavor that enhances the overall experience.
5. Salted Butter (8 tablespoons)
Butter is essential for sautéing the vegetables, adding richness and a subtle creaminess to the casserole. It helps to soften the cabbage and onions, infusing them with flavor and providing a smooth texture when mixed with the other ingredients.
6. Condensed Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10 ounces)
The cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup is what makes this casserole ultra-creamy. It acts as a binder, bringing everything together and creating that luscious, velvety sauce that coats the cabbage and beef. It also adds a savory note that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with a reduced-fat version of the soup.
7. Mayonnaise (⅓ cup)
Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole, adding a bit of tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients. It also helps bind the soup and beef mixture, ensuring that the casserole holds together beautifully when served. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute with Greek yogurt, which will provide the same creamy texture but with a slightly tangy twist.
8. Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, divided)
Cheddar cheese adds that irresistible cheesy flavor that makes casseroles so comforting. The sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy taste that stands up well against the savory beef and creamy sauce. Half of the cheese is mixed into the casserole filling, while the rest is used to top the casserole, creating a bubbly, golden crust. If you prefer a milder cheese, you can use mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
9. Ritz Crackers (30, coarsely crushed)
The Ritz crackers form the perfect topping for this casserole. They create a crispy, buttery layer that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, creamy interior of the casserole. The crackers soak up some of the flavors from the casserole while still maintaining a crunch. This topping adds both texture and flavor, elevating the dish to the next level.
10. Melted Butter (3 tablespoons)
Melted butter is mixed with the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring that they crisp up perfectly during baking. The butter adds a rich, golden hue and helps the crackers brown evenly, giving the casserole a beautiful, crispy topping that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve broken down the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process of preparing this comforting casserole.
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden on top. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large nonstick skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, transfer it to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly in the dish. - Sauté the Cabbage and Onions
Wipe the skillet clean and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and diced onions to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. The cabbage will soften and reduce in size as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but be mindful of the sodium content in the condensed soup. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the cabbage has softened and the onions are translucent, remove the skillet from the heat and spread the cabbage mixture evenly over the ground beef in the baking dish. - Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed soup, mayonnaise, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture will be spread over the cabbage and beef, adding a creamy, cheesy layer to the casserole. Stir the ingredients until well combined, ensuring that the soup and cheese are evenly distributed. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy soup mixture over the cabbage and beef, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. This will create a luscious, creamy layer that binds the ingredients together and ensures every bite is full of flavor. - Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The buttery crackers mixed with the cheese will form a golden, crispy topping as the casserole bakes. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. - Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The casserole will bubble as it cooks, and the topping will turn golden brown and crispy. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole is highly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Ground Meat Substitutes: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. These options will provide a similar texture but with a lighter flavor. For a more indulgent twist, consider using sausage or ground pork for a richer taste.
- Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar cheese is the star here, you can experiment with different cheeses depending on your preferences. Monterey Jack or Gouda will melt beautifully, while Parmesan can add a touch of nuttiness.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. This will add a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole.
- Vegetable Additions: For an extra boost of nutrition, you can add additional vegetables to the casserole. Chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach would work wonderfully in this dish, adding color, texture, and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Many gluten-free options are available in stores, and they will provide the same crispy topping without the gluten.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- A Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the casserole. A simple side of mixed greens or a Caesar salad would complement the dish wonderfully.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: The casserole is already rich and cheesy, but adding a side of warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls will round out the meal and provide something to soak up any extra creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, make a great side dish. Their slight caramelization from roasting adds another layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the casserole.
Conclusion
Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole is a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and warmth to the table. It’s simple to make, yet its layers of creamy, cheesy goodness are sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving it at a gathering, this casserole offers something for everyone—satisfying flavors, hearty ingredients, and the kind of comfort that only a homemade casserole can provide. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be treated to a delicious, soul-satisfying meal that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!