Savory Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Nestled in comfort food territory, this cheesy cabbage casserole promises warmth and satisfaction in every delightful bite.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels like a culinary embrace.

Cabbage transforms from humble vegetable to star performer when combined with rich, melty cheese.

Families adore this simple yet profound recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Memories of home-cooked meals emerge with each forkful of this classic casserole.

Layers of flavor invite you to savor each comforting spoonful and experience pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a sanctuary of tasty, wholesome goodness.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Everyone Will Love

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Beginners and seasoned cooks alike can master this recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients, making it a stress-free cooking experience.
• Transform Humble Ingredients: Cabbage transforms from an ordinary vegetable into a creamy, cheesy sensation that surprises and delights family members with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows easy meat additions or vegetarian modifications, perfect for adapting to different dietary preferences and household tastes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with straightforward preparation means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a satisfying meal with loved ones.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that provides a tender and slightly sweet base for this comforting casserole.
• Ground Beef or Sausage: A protein-packed component that adds richness and depth to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a delicious golden topping.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These ingredients create a luxurious and smooth sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables and create a golden cracker topping.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Ritz Crackers: Provides a crispy, buttery topping that adds texture and a golden crunch to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Crank up the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Cabbage Base

Heat up a large skillet with butter dancing on medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and let them soften into golden deliciousness.

Add cabbage pieces and cook until they’re tender and slightly wilted, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Brown the Protein (Optional)

If you’re adding meat, grab another pan and cook ground beef or sausage until it’s nicely browned.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Magic

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Fold in the sauteed cabbage and onions.

If using meat, mix it in now. Sprinkle in a generous handful of cheddar cheese and stir until everything’s beautifully combined.

Step 5: Build and Bake the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Shower the top with remaining cheddar cheese.

In a separate small bowl, crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s bubbling and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy as a hearty side dish or a complete meal. Pair with some warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Tips and Tricks for Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

• Pat cooked cabbage with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or caraway seeds for an extra depth of taste that complements the cabbage beautifully.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with Greek yogurt and use lean ground turkey to create a healthier version without sacrificing richness.
• Replace meat with roasted cauliflower or mushrooms, ensuring the casserole remains hearty and satisfying for plant-based eaters.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime a breeze.

Variations to Mix Up the Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with protein-packed lentils or black beans, adding extra nutrition and keeping the casserole hearty and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Touch: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add chopped fresh herbs like oregano and parsley, and include diced bell peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining a crispy topping texture.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, cheesy flavors and cuts through the casserole's creamy texture.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a crisp, acidic side salad with vinegar-based dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the creamy sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Complement with Light Beer: Select a crisp pilsner or wheat beer that cleanses the palate and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy casserole.

Keeping Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cracker topping.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the traditional recipe includes ground beef or sausage. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works best, but you can substitute with monterey jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend. Just ensure it melts well and complements the cabbage.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Make sure to cook the cabbage until slightly softened and drain any excess liquid. Also, don’t overdo the sour cream or soup, which can make the dish too runny.

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty cheesy cabbage casserole, blending rustic European flavors with simple home cooking. Creamy, golden layers promise a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around a warm, inviting table you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or sausage
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Soup:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease for optimal cooking surface.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté onions until translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook until tender, stirring periodically to ensure even softening, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, brown ground meat thoroughly, carefully draining excess fat to prevent a greasy texture.
5. Combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
6. Incorporate the sautéed cabbage and onions into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Fold in the cooked meat and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until all components are well integrated.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
10. Crush Ritz crackers and blend with melted butter, then distribute the crumb mixture over the casserole for a crispy topping.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole becomes bubbly and develops a golden-brown crust.
12. Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
13. Serve warm, accompanied by cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and unsalted butter, making this dish more heart-friendly without compromising taste.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Gruyère to add unexpected depth and create a more sophisticated flavor experience.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the crispy topping texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg