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