Table of Contents
Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make? This Cabbage Casserole Recipe is the perfect solution! Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
I remember the first time I made this Cabbage Casserole Recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and filling. The aroma of the beef browning, the onions caramelizing, and the spices blending together filled my kitchen. It was love at first bite!
Get ready to cook up a storm with this delicious Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready. Chop your onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cabbage. Measure out your spices. This will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 3 Tablespoons |
| Ground Beef | 1 Lb |
| Sweet Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Orange Bell Pepper (seeded, chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic Cloves (chopped) | 3 |
| Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes | 14 oz Can |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt/Pepper | to taste |
| Green Cabbage (cored, chopped) | 1 Small Head |
| Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese | 2 Cups |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat the oil in a large pan with high sides or a dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped orange bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Top the mixture with the chopped cabbage. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar/jack cheese over the top. Cover and let it sit until the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Cabbage Casserole Recipe!
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This Cabbage Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out this Protein Cabbage Soup High Protein Gluten Free.
Print
Cabbage Casserole Recipe: Best Winter Dinner
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Cabbage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for cold winter nights. It has all the savory flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce—but requires a fraction of the effort. Topped with melted bubbly cheese, this ‘unstuffed’ version is naturally gluten-free, low carb, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes or gluten-free marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown Meat: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Season & Simmer: Add the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped cabbage and the crushed tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the cabbage is significantly wilted and tender-crisp.
4. Assemble: Stir in ½ cup of the shredded cheese into the beef and cabbage mixture. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
6. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Add Rice: For a heartier meal, you can stir in 1-2 cups of cooked white or brown rice into the mixture before baking.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use fire-roasted tomatoes for a spicy kick.
Dairy Free: To make this dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 65
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! This Cabbage Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Dig In & Enjoy!
This Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal with your loved ones.
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.