Oh, let me tell you, there are some dishes that just wrap you up in a warm hug, and this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is absolutely one of them! It’s the kind of meal that screams “comfort food” from the first whiff, combining hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and a ridiculously creamy, cheesy sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Seriously, this isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary embrace!
I stumbled upon a version of this recipe years ago when I was looking for something that felt substantial but also used up some of the mountain of cabbage I’d accidentally bought. The first attempt was good, but it was missing that *oomph*. So, I tinkered and tweaked, added more cheese (because, why not?), played with the seasonings, and finally landed on this absolute winner. Trust me when I say, this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole has been perfected, and it’s now a regular star on our dinner rotation. You’re going to love how easy it is to throw together and how utterly delicious it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Okay, so why should this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole become your new favorite go-to? Well, let me count the ways! It’s just one of those dishes that hits all the right notes, especially when you’re looking for something hearty and fuss-free. Here’s the lowdown on why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:
- It’s unbelievably easy to make: Seriously, if you can brown meat and stir, you can make this!
- The flavor is out of this world: Think savory beef, tender cabbage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that just melts in your mouth.
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters (yes, I’m looking at you, kids!) seem to gobble this one up.
- It’s budget-friendly: Cabbage and ground beef are super affordable, making this a win for your wallet too.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
When the weather turns chilly or you just need a big, warm hug in a bowl, this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is your answer. It’s got that rich, savory taste and a wonderfully satisfying texture that just screams “cozy evening in.” Every bite is pure, blissful comfort!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Alright, before we dive into the fun part, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need for this amazing Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole! I always like to lay out all my ingredients first. It just makes the whole cooking process so much smoother, don’t you think? No frantic searching for garlic powder mid-stir! Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to get things going in the skillet.
- 1 pound ground beef: I usually go for a leaner ground beef, like 80/20, but use what you love!
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Don’t worry too much about perfect little dices here, just get it roughly chopped.
- 4 cups chopped cabbage: This is about half a medium head of cabbage. You’ll want it chopped into bite-sized pieces, not too big.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is our secret weapon for that creamy sauce!
- 1/2 cup milk: Any kind you have on hand will work.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, but pre-ground is totally fine too.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Yes, two whole cups! One for mixing in, and one for that glorious topping. You can shred your own or buy it pre-shredded – no judgment here!
That’s it! See? Simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Okay, you’ve got all your ingredients ready for this amazing Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, right? Great! Now for the fun part – putting it all together. Don’t worry, this is super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each step. You’re going to be a casserole master in no time!
- First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up. You’ll want to preheat it to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in.
- Next, grab a large skillet – the bigger, the better, so you have room to work! Drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your ground beef and chopped onion. Now, here’s a little tip: break up the beef as it cooks. You want nice, crumbly bits, not big chunks. Cook it until the beef is beautifully browned and the onion is tender and translucent, about 7-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; good browning equals good flavor! Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat. Nobody wants a greasy casserole, right?
- Now for the star of the show: the cabbage! Toss it into the skillet with the beef and onion. Stir it all together and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. You’re not trying to cook it until it’s mushy; you just want it to soften slightly. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, so a little crunch is okay at this stage.
- While the cabbage is softening, grab a separate bowl. Whisk together your can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, the milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. This is going to be our magical sauce!
- Pour that lovely soup mixture into the skillet with your beef and cabbage. Stir it all up until everything is nicely coated. Let it simmer for just 2-3 minutes, just to let those flavors meld together a bit. Oh, it’s going to smell so good!
- Take the skillet off the heat. Now, stir in 1 cup of that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. It’ll start to melt right into the hot mixture, making it even creamier. Yum!
- Time to assemble! Pour your beef and cabbage mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it’s a nice, flat layer.
- Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top. This is going to create that irresistible, golden-brown crust!
- Pop that beautiful dish into your preheated oven. Bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it!
And there you have it! A warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, ready to be devoured. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, just to let everything settle. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Want to make your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole absolutely perfect? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up! When browning the beef, don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to, to get a nice sear. For the cabbage, don’t overcook it in the skillet – it’ll get plenty tender in the oven. And for that cheesy topping, if you want it extra golden, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the very end, but watch it like a hawk!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Okay, so your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole is out of the oven, bubbly and golden – congratulations! Now, how to serve this masterpiece? While it’s definitely a complete meal on its own, adding a little something extra can really make it shine. I love serving it with a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette; that bright, tangy crunch is just perfect to cut through the richness of the casserole. And honestly, a warm, crusty piece of bread or some garlic bread for soaking up all that creamy sauce? Absolute perfection! Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, if you’re feeling fancy!
Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
So, you’ve got some glorious leftovers of your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, huh? Lucky you! This casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors really get to hang out and mingle. For storing, just let it cool completely first – super important! Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it out into individual servings, wrap them well, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works great, or cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Got questions about this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole? Don’t worry, I get them all the time! Here are some of the most common ones, and my best answers to help you out. I want you to feel super confident making this dish, so if something’s on your mind, chances are I’ve thought about it too!
Can I Make Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole Ahead of Time?
Oh, absolutely! This casserole is fantastic for making ahead. You can fully assemble it, right up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pull it out about 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature, then bake as usual. Easy weeknight dinner, planned!
Substitutions for Your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
You bet! While I love the classic, sometimes you gotta work with what you have or just want to change things up. For the cheese, feel free to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, or even some Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery or even cream of chicken could work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a little different. And for the cabbage, green cabbage is my go-to, but savoy cabbage would also be delicious here!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole
Alright, for those of you keeping an eye on the numbers, I know nutritional info can be super helpful! Now, remember, these are just estimates, because things like the exact fat content of your ground beef, the brand of soup you use, or even the type of cheese can make a difference. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving for this Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Pretty good for such a hearty, satisfying meal, right? Just keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes!
Share Your Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole Experience
Well, there you have it, friends! My absolute favorite Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole recipe. I’d love, love, *love* to hear how it turned out for you! Did you make any fun substitutions? What did your family think? Please, drop a comment below and tell me all about it. And hey, if you snap a pic, share it on social media and tag me! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
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Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole: 1 Ridiculously Good Meal
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This casserole combines ground beef, cabbage, and a creamy cheese sauce for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cabbage and cook until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir soup mixture into the beef and cabbage. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
- You can use different types of cheese like mozzarella or Colby Jack.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole, ground beef, cabbage, cheese, casserole, dinner