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cheesy cabbage casserole

cheesy cabbage casserole

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This cheesy cabbage casserole is a family-favorite comfort food that delivers big on flavor and warmth without demanding hours in the kitchen. It combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile, it's perfect for busy weeknights and makes fantastic leftovers.

  • Total Time: 90 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs Ground Beef
1 large head Green Cabbage
1 medium Yellow Onio
3 cloves Garlic
1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
2 cups Milk
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
4 tablespoons Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Paprika
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley

Instructions

  1. Core and shred 1 large head green cabbage. Set aside
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat
  3. Add 1 medium yellow onion to the skillet and cook until translucent (5-7 minutes). Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute
  4. Pour in 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained) and 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer
  5. Gradually add shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir into the meat mixture, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Remove from heat
  6. In a separate medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in 2 cups milk, whisking continuously, and cook until sauce thickens (3-5 minutes)
  7. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cabbage and meat mixture in the dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce over this layer
  9. Top with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture, then pour the rest of the cheese sauce over it. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the casserole
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a deeper crust, if desired (watch carefully)
  11. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, if desired

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when browning ground meat; brown in batches if necessary for better flavor.

Season at each step (meat mixture and cheese sauce) to build layers of flavor.

For a creamier finish, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties.

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices and a more cohesive dish.

  • Author: Julia Smith
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 60 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg