Heartwarming Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort comes alive with this delectable cabbage casserole that blends rustic flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Packed with savory goodness, the hearty cabbage casserole recipe delivers a warm embrace of home-style cooking.

Tender cabbage nestles between layers of rich, melted cheese and seasoned ground meat.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and robust flavors that dance across your palate.

The dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top create an irresistible allure that beckons you to the dinner table.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch as smiles spread around the room.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Cabbage Casserole Ingredient List

• Cabbage: Adds hearty texture and subtle sweetness, choose fresh crisp head with tight, compact leaves.
• Onion: Provides deep aromatic foundation, select firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic: Delivers robust flavor complexity, pick plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.

• Ground Beef: Creates rich meaty backbone, choose lean cut with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal moisture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings tangy moisture and acidity, select ripe, firm canned tomatoes without added seasonings.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens sauce, opt for smooth, deep red paste.
• Broth: Enhances overall moisture and depth, use low-sodium version for better flavor control.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, stretchy melting quality, select fresh whole milk variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes, choose freshly grated for best flavor.
• Parsley: Offers fresh herbal garnish, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Rice (Optional): Creates additional texture and substance, use leftover or freshly cooked white rice.

Gear Check: Cabbage Casserole Edition

• Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and creating the tomato sauce base.
• Large pot: Needed to boil and soften the cabbage before layering.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Cutting board: Helps chop cabbage and prepare ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Colander: Used to drain the boiled cabbage.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir meat and mix ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to prevent burning.

From Prep to Plate: Cooking Cabbage Casserole

• Prep the Cooking Area

Get your kitchen ready by turning the oven to 375F and greasing a baking dish with a quick spray or butter swipe.

• Soften the Cabbage

Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt and toss in chopped cabbage. Cook for 5 minutes until it’s slightly tender, then drain and set aside.

• Brown the Meat Mix

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the meat turns brown and onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Pour off any extra fat.

• Create Flavor Base

Pour tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices into the meat pan. Let everything bubble together for 5 minutes, creating a rich sauce.

• Layer the Casserole

Spread half the cabbage in the baking dish, top with half the meat mixture. Repeat the layers for maximum flavor distribution.

• Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top of the casserole, creating a golden, melty finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and extra freshness.

Cabbage Casserole Remix Ideas

• Perfect Cabbage Casserole Cooking Tips & Variations
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole a day before baking and store covered in the refrigerator for deeper flavor development and easier meal prep.
• Low-Carb Hero: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or skip grains entirely for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast to create a creamy topping that works for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and complexity in the casserole.

Stylish Ways to Serve Cabbage Casserole

• Hearty Dinner Companion: Serve this robust cabbage casserole alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness.
• Protein Power Boost: Pair with grilled chicken breast or sliced roasted turkey to increase protein content and create a more substantial dinner experience.
• Bread Basket Delight: Offer warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and complete the comforting meal with extra texture.
• Veggie Side Kick: Complement the casserole with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to introduce additional nutrients and create a colorful plate presentation.

Refrigerate & Reheat Cabbage Casserole Right

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cabbage casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Easy Reheating Method: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, assembling all ingredients and storing unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed for a fresh, homemade meal.

Hearty Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage casserole brings hearty comfort to family dinner tables across Eastern Europe. Layers of tender cabbage, savory meat, and rich seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during cold winter nights.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 6 cups cabbage (1 small head), chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup rice, cooked

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Blanch chopped cabbage in salted boiling water for 5 minutes, drain thoroughly, and set aside for layering.
2. Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is caramelized and onions become translucent. Drain excess fat and incorporate tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and cooked rice. Simmer mixture for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
3. Casserole Assembly: Layer baking dish with alternating portions of cabbage and meat mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage. Create two distinct layers to maximize flavor distribution.
4. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the casserole’s surface, creating a uniform golden-brown protective layer.
5. Baking Process: Cover casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly with slightly crisp edges.
6. Finishing Touch: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to enhance visual appeal and add subtle herbal notes.

Notes

• Soften Cabbage Carefully: Blanch cabbage for exactly 5 minutes to prevent overcooking, maintaining a tender yet crisp texture without becoming mushy.
• Control Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Layer Strategically: Create even, compact layers to guarantee consistent flavor distribution and prevent dry or overly wet sections in the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove foil during final baking stage to achieve a perfectly golden, bubbling cheese topping with attractive caramelized edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg