If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is about to become your new comfort food staple. This classic casserole marries tender, wilted cabbage and savory ground beef with creamy sauce and gooey melted cheese—each bite is pure nostalgia with a modern twist. It’s hearty enough for a fulfilling weeknight dinner, but special enough to make guests swoon at your next potluck. Plus, the keyphrase dish is as practical as it is delicious, thanks to simple prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and freezer-friendly flexibility.

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is how a short list of straightforward ingredients packs in so much satisfying flavor and texture. Every component here brings its own personality to the table, turning humble cabbage and beef into a bright, bubbling bake.

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onions, adding depth and keeping everything from sticking.
Ground beef: The savory heart of the casserole; use lean beef to keep things balanced.
Onion: Its sweetness mellows as it cooks, bringing a gentle aromatic kick.
Garlic: Adds irresistible savoriness that builds flavor from the ground up.
Green cabbage: Once chopped and cooked, it turns sweet, tender, and melds perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Cream of mushroom soup: The secret shortcut for instant umami and a rich, creamy base—feel free to swap for cream of chicken if that’s your preference.
Sour cream: Lends tang and luxurious creaminess to each bite.
Milk: Lightens and loosens the sauce, so every morsel is coated but never heavy.
Worcestershire sauce: The flavor booster that adds subtle, savory complexity in the background.
Paprika: Provides warmth and a gentle earthy note, plus a touch of color.
Salt and pepper: The classics for making all the other flavors sing.
Dried thyme: Brings herby notes that compliment both the beef and the cabbage.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top (or inside, if you like extra cheesy layers!).
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and a hint of salty richness.
Breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy, golden finish—totally worth adding if you love texture.

How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Sauté and Soften

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish—this step keeps every edge perfectly bubbly. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat and letting those onions become soft and fragrant. After about seven minutes, the beef should be beautifully browned and the onions just sweet enough. Add the minced garlic and stir for one more minute to unlock that deep, savory aroma.

Step 2: Wilt the Cabbage

Scoot all that sizzling goodness to the side and pile in your chopped cabbage. Give it a good stir so it mingles with the beef and onions, and cook for around five minutes, just until the cabbage loses its crisp edge and goes tender but still bright. You’ll see the veggies shrink as they release their own flavor into the skillet, building the base for your creamy casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

While the skillet works its magic, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme in a medium bowl. This creamy blend is crucial—it wraps everything in the casserole up with richness, tang, and a dash of savory spice.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Pour the luscious sauce right into your skillet, folding everything together so the meat and veggies get evenly coated. Take a moment to marvel at the scents and colors coming together! Now, spread the mixture out evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure every bite will get a little bit of everything.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan over the top—don’t hold back here. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, toss on a layer of breadcrumbs as well. Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until that golden topping is bubbling and singing. Let the casserole rest for five minutes after baking—it’s hard to wait, but it helps everything set into hearty, ready-to-slice layers.

How to Serve Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions or a flurry of fresh parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness against the creamy, cheesy layers. You could even add a crack of black pepper or a pinch of paprika for extra flair if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, balancing out the richness. A slice of crusty bread is always welcome for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce, or keep things lighter with steamed green beans or roasted carrots.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or scoop it into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a showstopper meal. If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bring it bubbling straight from the oven for a family-style feast everyone can dive into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are one of the joys of this dish! Store any remaining Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your second serve possibly even better than the first.

Freezing

Want to get ahead on busy days? You can assemble the unbaked casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge—no need to miss out on this classic even on your busiest weeknights.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until piping hot, usually about 20 minutes. For single portions, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick, but the oven preserves that crispy, cheesy top best of all.

FAQs

Can I make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely. Everything else in the casserole is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture.

What kind of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef (around 85-90 percent) is ideal—it keeps the casserole rich without being greasy, and the sauce provides plenty of moisture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter twist.

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

You can, but keep in mind that red cabbage will add a slightly earthier taste and a more vibrant color. The texture works well, so feel free to experiment if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I make the dish extra cheesy?

If you’re a cheese lover, add half the cheddar cheese into the beef-cabbage mixture, then finish with another heaping layer on top before baking. Melty, gooey goodness in every forkful!

Is it possible to prepare Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Prep and assemble the whole casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It makes entertaining or weekly meal prep a total breeze.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing quite like digging into a piping hot slice of Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole, especially when every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. I hope you’ll bring this flavorful classic into your regular rotation—it’s easy, satisfying, and just waiting to become a family favorite!

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and creamy sauce, topped with a cheesy crust. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cook until beef is browned. Add garlic, then cabbage, and cook until slightly wilted.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Combine and Bake: Stir the sauce into the skillet with beef and cabbage. Transfer to the baking dish, top with cheeses and breadcrumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute cream of chicken soup for mushroom if preferred.
For a lower-carb option, use heavy cream instead of milk.
This casserole freezes well – assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking, then thaw overnight before cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American