Masters of kitchen
When you’re craving something warm, creamy, and hearty, few things hit the spot like a good casserole. Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole brings together the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the feel-good vibes of comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug after a long day.
Why cabbage and beef? They’re a natural match. The mild sweetness of cabbage balances beautifully with the savory richness of seasoned ground beef, especially when everything’s wrapped in a creamy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
What makes this casserole special is how it turns humble pantry items into something crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers flavor, comfort, and satisfaction—all in one baking dish.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make it step-by-step, discover flavor-packed variations, and get expert tips on how to store, reheat, and even freeze it.
What Is Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole?
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a savory, layered oven-baked dish that combines sautéed beef, tender cabbage, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest—soft in the center, with a cheesy top that turns golden and irresistible after baking.
The flavor is rich and balanced. You get the umami of beef, the slight sweetness and earthiness of cabbage, and the creamy tang from dairy like sour cream or cream cheese. Some recipes use a layer of rice or potatoes for extra bulk, while others lean low-carb.
Across regions, you’ll find variations that include different cheeses, spices, or even tomato-based sauces for a tangy twist. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is satisfying.
As for casseroles in general? They’ve long been a staple in American kitchens—born from the idea of stretching ingredients to feed a crowd, all while minimizing cleanup and maximizing comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This casserole is one of those “make it once and crave it forever” meals. Here’s why:
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Budget-friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are two of the most affordable ingredients you can buy, and both stretch well in a casserole.
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Meal-prep magic: It stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Make it on Sunday and enjoy hearty lunches or quick dinners all week long.
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Kid-approved: Even picky eaters tend to warm up to the creamy, cheesy goodness. The mild cabbage softens during cooking, losing any bitterness and soaking up flavor.
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One-dish wonder: Everything cooks together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and less stress at dinnertime.
Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Whether you like it spicy, meaty, or even vegetarian, this recipe can bend to fit your pantry and preferences. It’s comfort food that adapts to your life—not the other way around.
Ingredient Breakdown for the Best Creamed Cabbage Casserole with Beef
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this casserole to life—and why each ingredient matters.
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Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for rich flavor and a moist base. If you prefer leaner beef, just be sure to add a little extra fat (like cream or cheese) to keep it tender.
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Green cabbage: Shredded or chopped both work—just aim for bite-sized pieces. It softens beautifully and soaks up flavor as it bakes.
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Onion & garlic: These are your flavor builders. A quick sauté before layering adds savory depth.
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Spices: Salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes add subtle warmth.
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Cream base: This is where the magic happens. Use sour cream for tang, heavy cream for richness, or cream cheese for a thicker, silkier finish.
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Cheese topping: Cheddar gives sharpness, mozzarella brings meltiness, and Swiss adds a nutty note. Mix and match as you like.
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Optional starch: Add cooked rice, egg noodles, or even thin potato slices for a heartier casserole. This is great if you’re feeding a crowd.
Bold Tip: Use pre-shredded cabbage or a coleslaw mix to save prep time—especially on weeknights!
How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole – Step by Step
Here’s how to bring this comforting casserole together from scratch:
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.
Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage
You have two great options:
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Sauté method: Add shredded cabbage directly to the skillet with a splash of oil or butter. Cook until slightly softened, about 5–7 minutes.
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Steam method: Steam cabbage separately in a pot or microwave for about 5 minutes until just tender.
Either way, you want the cabbage softened but not soggy—it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Base
In a bowl, combine your cream elements—this might be sour cream and heavy cream, or softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You can even add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Lightly grease a baking dish. Start by layering half the cabbage, then half the beef mixture, then half the cream base. Repeat once more, ending with the cream layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Optional Step: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a beautifully crisp cheese topping.
Helpful Notes:
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If your mix looks too watery, add a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs before baking.
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If it’s too dry, stir in an extra splash of cream before baking.
Pro Tips for Flavorful, Cheesy Cabbage and Hamburger Casserole
To get the most out of this casserole, a few simple tricks can take it from good to great.
Start by draining the excess fat after browning your ground beef. This keeps the final dish rich but not greasy. If you’re using lean beef, you can skip this step—but with higher-fat cuts, it makes a big difference.
Pre-cook your cabbage—either by sautéing or lightly steaming. This helps reduce moisture and prevents a watery casserole. Plus, it ensures the cabbage is tender all the way through.
Want to deepen the flavor? Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of Dijon mustard into your cream mixture. These umami-rich ingredients add subtle complexity that elevates the entire dish.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. It firms up, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions.
Pro Tip: Use sharp cheddar or aged Swiss for maximum cheesy flavor. Milder cheeses melt well but won’t deliver the same bold taste.
Small tweaks like these turn a simple comfort food into a dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Tasty Variations of Creamy Ground Beef Casserole You’ll Want to Try
This casserole is endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just want to mix things up, here are some tasty variations:
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Low-carb/Keto: Skip any starchy add-ins like rice or potatoes. Instead, stir in steamed cauliflower florets or zucchini slices. Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for richness.
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Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Pepper jack cheese is a great topping for heat lovers.
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Italian Twist: Stir in a little tomato sauce or diced tomatoes into the cream base, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add basil or oregano for extra flavor.
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Southern Style: Top with a crumbly cornbread crust or spoonfuls of cornbread batter before baking. This adds a delightful sweet-savory balance.
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Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Add extra garlic and smoked paprika to build flavor.
No matter your spin, the creamy base and baked finish hold everything together. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of comfort food.
What to Serve with Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but a few thoughtful sides can turn it into a full meal:
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Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
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For something lighter, serve it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans.
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Craving extra comfort? Try mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables on the side.
As for drinks, it pairs beautifully with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or even a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
Serving tip: Hosting a gathering? Keep your casserole warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. It holds up well and stays delicious for second helpings.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips for Cabbage and Ground Beef Bake
This casserole was made for busy weeknights and meal-prep sessions.
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Make-Ahead: Assemble everything in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time.
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Freezing: Yes! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. You can also freeze individual baked portions for quick reheats.
To reheat, microwave individual servings or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry.
Whether you’re cooking ahead for the week or planning a freezer stash, this casserole makes life easier.
Is This Low-Carb Cabbage and Beef Casserole Healthy? Nutrition Guide
While every version of this casserole will vary slightly, here’s a rough nutritional breakdown for a typical serving (based on 6 servings):
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Calories: ~350–450
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Protein: 20–25g
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Fat: 25–30g
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Carbs: 8–15g depending on add-ins
It’s naturally high in protein and moderate in fat, making it satisfying and filling. If you skip the starch, it easily becomes low-carb or keto-friendly.
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Gluten-free? Yes, just make sure your spices and cheese are certified GF.
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Dairy-free? Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, and check labels.
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Low-sodium? Use unsalted butter, low-sodium broth, and go light on cheese.
This is a flexible recipe that works for many diets—you just need to tweak the base to meet your needs.
FAQs About Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Can you freeze creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole?
Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What kind of cabbage is best for casseroles?
Green cabbage is the top choice—it holds up well to baking. Savoy cabbage also works and adds a slight buttery flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it unbaked for longer storage.
How do I make it keto-friendly?
Skip rice or potatoes, use full-fat dairy, and consider adding cauliflower or mushrooms instead.
What cheese melts best for casseroles like this?
Cheddar and mozzarella are reliable favorites. For more flavor, try Gruyère or a mix of Swiss and Parmesan.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 small green cabbage shredded, about 4 cups
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing
- Optional: 1 cup cooked rice noodles, or potato slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13" casserole dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Add seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, Worcestershire). Stir well and set aside.
- Sauté the cabbage in a separate pan or steam it until slightly tender (5–7 minutes).
- Mix the cream base: In a bowl, combine sour cream and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Half the cabbage, half the beef, half the cream. Repeat.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the top.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based ground meat.
- Add cauliflower or mushrooms for a low-carb version.
- For extra crispiness, top with breadcrumbs or bake uncovered slightly longer.
- This dish freezes well—just thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts on This Cozy Cabbage Ground Beef Recipe
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is one of those old-school meals that just hits the spot. It’s cozy, creamy, and endlessly comforting—without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or put your own spin on it, it’s the kind of meal that feeds both your stomach and your soul. Perfect for weeknights, weekends, or anytime you need something warm and filling.
If you give it a try, let us know how it turned out! Drop a comment or share your twist on social media—we’d love to see it!
