Cabbage Casserole Recipe

The Best Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty cabbage casserole that brings warmth to your dinner table.

Layers of tender cabbage mingle with savory ground beef and a creamy sauce that promises pure satisfaction.

Home cooks have long cherished this simple yet delicious dish for its rustic charm and filling nature.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and rich, comforting flavors.

The recipe transforms humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that sparks conversation and fills hungry bellies.

Families gather around, eagerly anticipating the moment this bubbling casserole emerges from the oven.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this classic comfort food.

Why Cabbage Casserole Wins Over Comfort Food Fans

  • Customize Your Protein: Select your favorite protein like chicken, beef, or shrimp to make this chop suey perfectly tailored to your taste preferences.
  • Master Quick Cooking Technique: Learn the art of stir-frying with this simple recipe that teaches essential cooking skills in just a few minutes.
  • Veggie-Packed Nutrition Boost: Load up on a variety of colorful vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and bean sprouts for a nutritious and delicious meal.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in a single wok or skillet, minimizing cleanup and making dinnertime a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cabbage Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Cabbage: A crisp and nutritious vegetable that forms the base of this hearty casserole.
  • Vidalia Onion: A sweet and mild onion variety that adds depth and flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the vegetables.
Preparation Aids:
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of the casserole from the baking dish and prevents sticking.

How To Make Cabbage Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for a delicious cabbage transformation.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Give your baking dish a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 3: Slice and Spread Cabbage

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, creating an even, inviting layer across the bottom of the pan. Make sure the pieces are roughly uniform for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Sprinkle Onion Magic

Dice the sweet Vidalia onion into delicate pieces, then generously scatter them over the cabbage layer. The onions will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 45 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals the casserole is ready to be devoured.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This brief cooling period helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your delightful cabbage creation while it’s still warm!

Details To Know For Perfect Cabbage Casserole

  • Cut cabbage into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Spread cabbage and onions in thin, even layers to promote balanced flavor and prevent soggy spots.
  • Look for golden-brown edges and bubbling surface as indicators that the casserole is perfectly cooked.
  • Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to elevate the basic recipe.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting and serving easier.

Cabbage Casserole Styles You Can Explore

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carb version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
  • Spicy Southwestern Kick: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top to create a zesty, Mexican-inspired variation.
  • Vegetarian Protein Boost: Mix in cooked quinoa or lentils for added protein and a more substantial meal that's completely plant-based.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use extra sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon bits, and substitute onions with green onions to make this recipe more keto-compliant.

Foods That Pair Well With Cabbage Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Complement the casserole's hearty flavors with a slightly sweet, acidic white wine that cuts through the richness and balances the cabbage's earthiness.
  • Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Use thick slices of tangy sourdough to soak up the delicious juices and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft casserole.
  • Match with Smoked Sausage: Add sliced kielbasa or smoked bratwurst alongside the casserole to introduce a robust, meaty protein that enhances the overall dining experience and provides extra depth of flavor.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herb Salad: Top the dish with a light parsley and dill salad to bring brightness, freshness, and a zesty green element that lifts the casserole's dense texture.

Cabbage Casserole: Storing for Best Texture

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for this cabbage casserole?

Ground beef, cabbage, Vidalia onion, cheese, salt, and pepper are the main ingredients you’ll want to have on hand.

  • Can I use a different type of onion if I don't have Vidalia?

Yes, you can substitute regular yellow or white onions, though Vidalia onions are sweeter and add a nice flavor to the dish.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Cabbage is low in calories and high in nutrients, making this casserole a relatively nutritious option that provides good protein and vegetable content.

  • How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Consider adding garlic, paprika, or your favorite herbs to enhance the overall taste of the casserole during preparation.

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Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Cabbage Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Polish Cabbage Casserole brings comfort from traditional Eastern European kitchens, blending savory layers of tender cabbage, ground meat, and rich seasonings. Warm, satisfying flavors invite you to savor a classic dish that feels like a culinary embrace from Poland’s countryside.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 small cabbage (chopped)
  • 1 Vidalia onion (chopped)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Slice the cabbage into uniform small pieces, creating an even layer across the bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. Finely dice the Vidalia onion and distribute it uniformly over the cabbage layer.
  4. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface.
  5. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Chop cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use fresh Vidalia onions for a sweeter, milder flavor that complements the cabbage perfectly.
  • For a gluten-free version, skip any breadcrumb toppings and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Add protein like ground turkey or diced ham to transform this side dish into a complete one-pan meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 50 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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