Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Creamy, hearty, and utterly comforting, this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole has quickly become one of my go-to weeknight saviors. I made this one chilly evening when I wanted something simple yet soul-warming, and the first spoonful made it clear this was something special. The tender cabbage melts into the velvety cream sauce, while the ground beef adds a satisfying, savory depth.
There’s something beautifully rustic about this dish. It reminds me of cozy meals shared with family, when everyone gathers around the table, drawn in by the scent wafting from the oven. The layers of cabbage and beef come together in a harmony of textures and flavors, tied together with just the right amount of melted cheese and herbs.
Every time I serve it, I get requests for seconds — and the recipe! It’s not just comfort food; it’s a nostalgic bite of tradition with a creamy, indulgent twist. If you’ve got cabbage, ground beef, and a craving for a warm casserole that hugs you from the inside out, you need to try this one.
Why You’ll Love This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is the kind of recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimum effort. It requires basic pantry staples and simple prep, but the result is rich, cozy, and packed with flavor. The cabbage becomes tender and silky, soaking up the meaty essence and creamy sauce, while the golden topping adds just enough indulgence to make it feel special.
It’s also incredibly versatile – you can switch out the protein, use dairy-free options, or sneak in other veggies. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it holds up beautifully. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day, making this a true family favorite in my kitchen.
How to Make the Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Brown the beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and cabbage
In the same skillet, add a splash of oil or butter and toss in chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Then stir in chopped carrots and cabbage. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy sauce
Sprinkle in a bit of flour and stir to coat the veggies. Gradually pour in milk and a splash of chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then stir in cream cheese or heavy cream for added richness. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of thyme.
Step 4: Combine and assemble
Add the browned beef back into the skillet and mix everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with shredded cheese of your choice – mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend works well.
Step 5: Bake and serve
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
If you want to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to beef. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Don’t have cream cheese? Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. You can also swap the dairy entirely with plant-based milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free casserole.
Additions like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked rice or pasta can turn this into a more complete, one-dish meal. Spice lovers might enjoy a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce.
Play with the cheese topping too – smoked gouda or pepper jack can bring new flavor profiles depending on what you have in your fridge.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make perfect partners. A slice of rustic bread or warm dinner rolls can help soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
For a lighter touch, pair it with a side of pickled vegetables or a cucumber-dill salad to contrast the richness of the casserole. When I’m in the mood for cozy, I like serving it alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to double down on comfort.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully: portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave single servings for 2-3 minutes or bake a larger portion at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Add a splash of milk or broth if the casserole seems a bit dry after refrigeration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
Is it keto-friendly?
It can be! Swap the flour for almond flour, use heavy cream, and opt for a low-carb cheese. Also, be mindful of the carrots or replace them with lower-carb veggies like cauliflower.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are all great options. I love using a mix for depth of flavor and gooey texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix is a great time-saver and works just as well in this dish.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even ricotta can be substituted depending on your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you’re craving more cozy dishes like this one, be sure to check out the Tasty Deconstructed Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. It takes the classic comfort of cabbage rolls and simplifies it into a flavorful skillet dinner that’s quick to make and deeply satisfying. For a pasta twist on hearty meals, the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta is another one to bookmark. It’s rich, vibrant, and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Looking for a gooey, satisfying side dish? Don’t miss the Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese that pairs beautifully with any casserole.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
If this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole made your taste buds happy, don’t keep it to yourself! Pin this recipe to your dinner board on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime the craving strikes. Share it with friends and family on Facebook, or send it straight to someone who loves a good cozy meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or freezing it for busy nights, this recipe deserves a spot in your go-to collection.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce into one satisfying bake. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this casserole comes together beautifully and delivers that nostalgic, homemade taste everyone loves. It's also flexible for dietary needs with easy substitutions and reheats like a dream for next-day lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, shredded or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup cream cheese or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Oil or butter for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit of oil or butter and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the carrot and cabbage. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage is softened.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables.
- Gradually add the milk and broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream until melted and smooth. Add paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return the beef to the skillet and combine well with the creamy cabbage mixture.
- Transfer everything to the casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix to save time.
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Make it ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Try different cheeses for varied flavor: smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack add unique twists.
