Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Lora Lopez

Posted on May 18, 2025

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the savory richness of ground beef, the sweetness of cabbage, and the creamy indulgence of a luscious mushroom sauce. Forget complicated recipes and long preparation times; this casserole delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Imagine the aroma of tender ground beef mingling with the subtly sweet cabbage, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce—a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a nostalgic journey back to simpler times, a reminder of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals that bring family and friends together. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by this incredibly delicious and satisfying casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of savory ground beef, subtly sweet cabbage, earthy mushrooms (from the cream of mushroom soup), and a hint of thyme creates a complex and satisfying taste profile. It’s a delicious balance of textures too: the tender beef, the slightly crisp cabbage, and the creamy, smooth sauce. It’s a truly comforting meal, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Want to add some diced carrots or potatoes for extra vegetables? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. The base recipe is a fantastic starting point, allowing you ample room for culinary creativity.

Thirdly, it’s easy to make. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal chopping and cooking steps. The casserole is mostly hands-off once it’s in the oven, allowing you to relax and tend to other tasks while it bakes to perfection. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is economical. It uses readily available, affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding a family or a crowd without compromising on quality or taste. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a truly special and satisfying meal.

Why You Should Try This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for a home-cooked meal can feel like a luxury. However, this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole offers a delicious solution to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. It’s the type of dish that will please even the pickiest eaters, and it’s a great way to use up leftover cabbage or ground beef. The comforting flavors and textures make it a perfect choice for a family dinner, potluck contribution, or a simple meal for one.

This recipe is also a fantastic way to introduce new flavors and textures to your family. The mild sweetness of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the savory ground beef, creating a flavor combination that’s both familiar and exciting. The creamy mushroom sauce adds a touch of elegance without being overly complicated. It’s a dish that encourages experimentation; feel free to adjust the seasonings and add other vegetables to suit your family’s preferences. This flexibility makes it a true staple recipe that you’ll want to return to time and again.

Beyond the taste and convenience, this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole offers a chance to connect with your culinary heritage. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminiscent of classic family meals. Sharing this dish with loved ones creates a warm and intimate atmosphere, making it more than just a meal; it’s a shared experience. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together and share a comforting, delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simple pleasure of this classic casserole. It’s a recipe that you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

This section details the ingredients and utensils needed to successfully prepare this delightful Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole.

Ingredients: A Detailed List

1 pound ground beef: Choose your preferred type – lean, regular, or a blend. The ground beef forms the savory base of this casserole. Keyword: Ground Beef Casserole
1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow onion is traditional, but white or red onions can also be used. Chopping the onion finely ensures even cooking and distribution throughout the casserole. Keyword: Onion, Chopped Onion
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the beef and cabbage beautifully. Mincing the garlic ensures even distribution of flavor. Keyword: Garlic, Minced Garlic
1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded: Green cabbage is most commonly used, but red cabbage can also add a vibrant color and slightly peppery flavor. Shredding the cabbage thinly ensures even cooking. Keyword: Cabbage, Shredded Cabbage
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This provides the creamy base for the casserole. Keyword: Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk: Milk adds creaminess and helps to thin the soup for a smoother sauce. Whole milk is preferred for richness, but you can use skim milk for a lighter option. Keyword: Milk
1/4 cup sour cream or crème fraîche: Sour cream or crème fraîche add a tangy flavor and extra creaminess to the sauce. Keyword: Sour Cream, Crème Fraîche
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, sharp flavor and a wonderful richness to the casserole. Keyword: Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons butter: Butter adds flavor and helps to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic. Keyword: Butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Keyword: Thyme, Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your taste. Keyword: Salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Keyword: Black Pepper

Recommended Utensils for Success

Large skillet: A large skillet is essential for browning the ground beef and cooking the vegetables. A non-stick skillet is recommended for easier cleanup.
9×13 inch baking dish: This is the standard size for this casserole. Make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.
Medium bowl: Use a medium bowl to whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef and stir the ingredients in the skillet.
Whisk: A whisk is useful for smoothly combining the sauce ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are important for achieving the best results.
Grater: For grating the Parmesan cheese.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

Detailed Recipe Steps: Creating Your Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Follow these detailed steps to create your delicious Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole. Remember to always prioritize food safety and hygiene while cooking.

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
Brown the ground beef: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Important: Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content and prevent a greasy casserole.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
Cook the cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Tip: Don’t overcook the cabbage; it should still have a slight crunch.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Tip: If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Combine everything: Pour the creamy soup mixture over the cabbage and beef mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are coated evenly.
Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Important: Make sure to grease the dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Tip: The casserole is ready when the sauce is bubbly and the cabbage is tender.

Tips, Variations, and Troubleshooting Your Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Here are some helpful tips and variations to enhance your Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole experience.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the cabbage: Overcooked cabbage can become mushy. Aim for slightly wilted but still slightly crisp.
Drain the excess grease from the beef: This will prevent a greasy casserole.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers.

Variations

Spicy Cabbage Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
Creamy Cheddar Cabbage Casserole: Replace the Parmesan cheese with shredded cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian sausage or lentils for a vegetarian alternative.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Casserole is too dry: Add a little more milk or cream to the sauce before baking.
Casserole is too wet: Increase the baking time slightly.
Cabbage is overcooked: Reduce the cooking time for the cabbage.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

While this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a delicious comfort food, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients used, so these are estimates. A serving (approximately 1/8 of the casserole) will likely contain approximately 350-450 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Benefits of Ingredients:

Ground Beef: A good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Cabbage: Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It also contains antioxidants.
Mushrooms (from the soup): Good source of antioxidants and some essential vitamins and minerals.
Milk: Rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Parmesan Cheese: Contains calcium and protein.

It is important to note that the nutritional value can be significantly impacted by the type of ground beef used (lean vs. fatty) and the addition of other ingredients. For a healthier version, consider using lean ground beef, increasing the vegetable content, and reducing the amount of cheese and cream of mushroom soup.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and increase the baking time as needed.
What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use different types of cabbage? Yes, you can use red cabbage for a different flavor and color, or even a mix of green and red cabbage.
What if I don’t have crème fraîche? Sour cream is a great substitute, and you can even use plain yogurt for a lighter option.
Can I use different soup? While cream of mushroom soup is traditional, you could experiment with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, but the flavor profile will change.
The casserole is burning on top. Cover the top loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Delicious Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole!

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a potluck, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste, making it a truly adaptable and enjoyable dish. Remember to follow the steps carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own perfect version. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Please share your experience in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.

Happy cooking!

Learn more about cabbage from Wikipedia.