Zesty Rich Cabbage Casserole Recipe

My grandmother used to spend entire afternoons rolling individual cabbage leaves, filling the kitchen with the most savory and welcoming aroma.

This Rich Cabbage Casserole captures all those nostalgic flavors in a fraction of the time, layering tender vegetables with bubbling cheese.

Why This Rich Cabbage Casserole is a Family Favorite

It delivers all the satisfaction of a complex dish without the tedious assembly work required for traditional stuffed rolls.

The melting cheddar cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust that makes this Rich Cabbage Casserole completely irresistible.

Cleanup is a breeze since the entire filling comes together in just one skillet before baking.

If you enjoyed this hearty meal, you have to try my Quick Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe for another crowd-pleaser. For a slower weekend meal, the Savory Slow Cooker Beef Brisket Recipe is absolutely unforgettable.

Gathering Your Rich Cabbage Casserole Ingredients

Here is everything you will need to prepare this comforting dish:

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the beef and vegetables, adding a subtle fruitiness to the base.
• Ground Beef: I use 85% lean beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness without being too greasy.
• Onion: A medium yellow or white onion provides a sweet, savory foundation for the meat mixture.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture from the cabbage and seasoning the layers.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds a gentle heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic cloves offer a punchy aromatic quality that powder just cannot match.
• Paprika: adds a warm, sweet earthiness and a beautiful color to the beef mixture.
• Dried Thyme: This herb brings a woodsy, floral note that pairs perfectly with the cabbage.
• Cayenne Pepper: A tiny pinch provides a background warmth without making the casserole spicy.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes and drain them well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
• Green Cabbage: Roughly chopped fresh cabbage provides a sweet crunch that softens beautifully in the oven.
• Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that stands up to the savory beef and tomato sauce.

Step-by-Step Rich Cabbage Casserole Instructions

Let’s get cooking with this simple method:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it is hot and ready when you need it. Grease a 2-quart baking dish (about 7×11 inches) with a little butter or oil to ensure nothing sticks, then set it aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Place a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper, letting them cook for just 30 seconds. You should smell the garlic and spices becoming fragrant immediately, which signals they have released their oils into the meat.
4. Add the well-drained diced tomatoes and the roughly chopped green cabbage to the skillet. Continue to cook everything together, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until the cabbage has wilted slightly and become tender-crisp.
5. Turn off the heat and stir in one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it is distributed throughout the mixture. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into your prepared baking dish, leaving any excess grease behind in the skillet.
6. Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is deeply browned and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, then let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

My Best Tips for Perfect Rich Cabbage Casserole

Do not skimp on the browning step for the beef because that initial caramelization adds deep flavor to the final dish.

I always shred my own cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded bags for the smoothest melt on your Rich Cabbage Casserole.

If you notice excess liquid after baking, simply tilt the dish carefully in the sink to drain it before serving.

How to Serve This Rich Cabbage Casserole

This dish is substantial enough to stand on its own, but I often plate it with a crisp green salad to cut the richness.

Roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots also make wonderful companions to this savory Rich Cabbage Casserole.

Make sure to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it easily later.

Rich Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting, low-carb casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheddar cheese.

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Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 medium green cabbage, roughly chopped (approx. 1 lb)
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes, well drained
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for roughly 6 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
3. Stir in the garlic, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the drained tomatoes and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage softens.
5. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish using a slotted spoon to leave excess liquid behind. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Shred the cheese from a block for the best melting results. If there is excess liquid after baking, carefully drain it before serving.

• Prep Time: 25 min
• Resting Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Rich Cabbage Casserole, cabbage casserole recipe, ground beef casserole, keto dinner, low carb comfort food