Name: Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 medium Onion, chopped; 1 small head Cabbage, chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1/2 cup Sour Cream; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Jump to Recipe

Ready to dive into pure comfort with the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like home? Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is here to steal the show on busy weeknights and family dinners alike. This dish is everything we love: creamy, melty, perfectly spiced, and full of savory, hearty flavors that come together in one cozy baking dish. Did you know cabbage was once considered a “food for kings” thanks to its richness and health benefits? Here, it becomes irresistibly tender, nestled under golden cheddar and tucked in a luscious cream sauce that’s meant for second helpings.

If you enjoy my Cheesy Hamburger Potato Bake, you’ll find this recipe just as simple and comforting, but with an extra boost of veggie goodness. Quick to prep and loaded with everyday ingredients, this casserole has become my family’s secret ace for busy evenings. Whip it up, dig in, and watch everyone ask for more—leftovers are never guaranteed!

What is Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole?

Ever wondered what happens when your favorite ground beef recipe meets classic, creamy cabbage goodness? Welcome to the world of Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole! The name might sound traditional, but hey, sometimes the simplest names hide the tastiest surprises. You might be thinking: “Creamed? Cabbage? Together?” But trust me, in the words of grandma’s kitchen, the way to a man’s (or anyone’s!) heart is through their stomach—and this casserole doesn’t disappoint. It combines rustic comfort food vibes with a creamy twist that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Ready for a bite? Don’t just take my word for it—give it a go and see why this old-school favorite deserves a revival!

Why You’ll Love This

The real star of this casserole is its creamy texture, thanks to a rich blend of heavy cream, sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese. Unlike many casseroles, this one skips the canned soup in favor of fresh, simple ingredients, truly letting the flavors shine. Making it yourself is a wonderful way to stretch your grocery budget, as cabbage and ground beef are both budget-friendly staples that come together for a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

Don’t forget those special touches: smoky paprika adds warmth, while a generous cheddar topping creates a bubbly, golden finish that’s downright irresistible. This recipe is a perfect alternative to more familiar favorites, like my Creamy Beef and Rice Skillet, but with a low-carb twist and double the vegetable goodness. Why not try both and decide your new favorite? Save, share, and get cooking—your tastebuds (and your wallet) will thank you!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is designed for busy cooks who crave homemade comfort without the hassle. With minimal prep time—about 15 minutes—and a hands-off baking finish, you can have a truly satisfying, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. Standout elements? A dreamy, creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned beef, and that irresistibly cheesy crust! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for leftovers, this easy casserole checks all the boxes for hearty, delicious simplicity.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Stir in the minced garlic, along with the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the beef to soak up all those flavors.
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for about 8 minutes. The cabbage should start to soften but still retain a bit of crunch—you don’t want it mushy at this point.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and sour cream. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully combined and warmed through. The sauce should begin to thicken and coat the cabbage and beef.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, creating a glorious cheesy blanket.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit and makes it easier to slice and serve.

What to Serve With

For a well-rounded meal, serve this casserole with a bright side salad—something crisp, with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted carrots, green beans, or steamed broccoli make delicious and colorful accompaniments. A basket of warm dinner rolls or some crusty bread is great for soaking up the cheesy sauce. If you like, pair with a chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing finish. For dessert, keep it simple with fresh fruit or a light sorbet.

Top Tips for Perfecting

If you want to lighten things up, swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Short on cheddar? Try Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
For extra flavor, toss in some red pepper flakes for gentle heat or a handful of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill.
Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef—this prevents your casserole from becoming oily.
Chopping the cabbage finely ensures it softens quickly and evenly.
Don’t overbake—when the cheese is golden and bubbly, it’s time to take it out.
If you want to make it ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers keep well and taste just as great! Store any extra casserole in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the whole casserole (tightly wrapped or in an airtight container) for up to two months.

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or place larger portions in a covered baking dish and warm at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through (about 15-20 minutes if reheated from chilled, 30-40 minutes from frozen). For the best texture, let frozen portions thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try Swiss, provolone, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs thanks to the cabbage base and high protein content—just check your specific ingredient brands.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Be sure to drain excess fat, and don’t skip that resting time before serving—the sauce thickens as it cools!

Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated carrots make tasty additions—just sauté them with the cabbage.

Conclusion

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate answer to easy comfort food cravings. With its budget-friendly ingredients, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and crave-worthy flavors, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight or special occasion, this casserole is sure to please—and thanks to its flexibility, you can easily adapt it to your tastes. Give it a try, and let this cozy classic become a regular star in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!