Ultimate Guide to Delicious and Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipes

Cabbage casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck gathering. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover cabbage and customize with your favorite ingredients. This guide will provide you with several delicious cabbage casserole recipes, along with detailed steps, tips, and variations to ensure success every time.

Why Cabbage Casserole?

Cabbage casserole is a fantastic dish for many reasons:

* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage is an affordable vegetable, making this casserole a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt the recipe to include different meats, cheeses, and vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
* **Comfort Food:** It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying – perfect for a chilly evening.
* **Easy to Make:** The casserole requires minimal prep work and can be assembled in advance.
* **Healthy:** Cabbage is packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a nutritious meal option.

Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe

This recipe serves as a foundation for more elaborate variations. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6-8 cups)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound ground beef (or sausage, turkey, or vegetarian crumbles)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
* Optional Topping: Bread crumbs or crushed crackers

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cabbage:** Shred the cabbage using a knife or a mandoline. You can also purchase pre-shredded cabbage to save time.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Brown the Meat:** Add the ground beef (or your choice of protein) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. **Cook the Cabbage:** Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage with the tomato-meat sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. **Assemble the Casserole:** Transfer the cabbage mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If using sour cream or cream cheese, dollop it evenly over the cabbage mixture. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture.
8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. The topping should be golden brown.
9. **Rest and Serve:** Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to hold its shape better.

Variations and Additions

Here are some ideas to customize your cabbage casserole:

* **Meat Options:**
* **Sausage:** Use Italian sausage (sweet or hot), kielbasa, or smoked sausage for a flavorful twist.
* **Ground Turkey:** A leaner alternative to ground beef.
* **Shredded Chicken or Pork:** Use leftover cooked chicken or pork for a quick and easy meal.
* **Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Ham:** Diced ham is a classic addition to cabbage casserole.
* **Vegetarian Options:**
* **Vegetarian Crumbles:** Use plant-based ground beef alternatives.
* **Lentils:** Cooked lentils add protein and fiber.
* **Mushrooms:** Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
* **Bell Peppers:** Diced bell peppers add color and sweetness.
* **Carrots:** Shredded carrots add sweetness and texture.
* **Zucchini:** Diced zucchini adds moisture and nutrients.
* **Cheese Options:**
* **Mozzarella:** Adds a mild and creamy flavor.
* **Monterey Jack:** Similar to mozzarella but with a slightly sharper taste.
* **Pepper Jack:** Adds a spicy kick.
* **Swiss:** Adds a nutty and savory flavor.
* **Provolone:** Adds a rich and slightly tangy flavor.
* **Cottage Cheese:** Adding cottage cheese to the cabbage mixture makes it creamy and adds extra protein.
* **Sauce Variations:**
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** Substitute part of the tomato sauce with cream of mushroom soup for a creamier casserole.
* **Cream of Celery Soup:** Similar to cream of mushroom soup, this adds a different flavor profile.
* **Alfredo Sauce:** For a richer and more decadent casserole.
* **BBQ Sauce:** For a smoky and tangy flavor.
* **Spicy Tomato Sauce:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy tomato sauce for some heat.
* **Spice and Herb Variations:**
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a more intense garlic flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** Enhances the onion flavor.
* **Paprika:** Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Adds a more pronounced smoky flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of herbs that complements the other flavors.
* **Thyme:** Adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.
* **Rosemary:** Adds a piney and aromatic flavor.
* **Topping Variations:**
* **Bread Crumbs:** Use plain, seasoned, or panko bread crumbs for a crispy topping.
* **Crushed Crackers:** Ritz crackers, saltines, or graham crackers work well.
* **Potato Chips:** Crushed potato chips add a salty and crunchy topping.
* **Fried Onion Strings:** Adds a savory and crispy topping.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Grated parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory topping.
* **Other Additions:**
* **Rice:** Cooked rice (white or brown) can be added to the casserole for extra bulk and texture.
* **Potatoes:** Diced potatoes add heartiness and flavor.
* **Sour Cream or Yogurt:** Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a tangy creaminess.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can be added.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds a savory and umami flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds a salty and umami flavor (use sparingly).

Recipe Variations: Specific Examples

Here are a few specific cabbage casserole recipe variations:

1. Kielbasa and Cabbage Casserole

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-4 of the Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
2. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage to the skillet and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add the shredded cabbage and continue with step 5 of the Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
4. Assemble and bake as directed in steps 7-9.

2. Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole with Lentils

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup cooked lentils
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-2 of the Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
2. Add the cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, bell pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the shredded cabbage and continue with step 5 of the Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
4. Assemble and bake as directed in steps 7-9.

3. Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Ham and Cheese

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup diced ham
* 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional Topping: Bread crumbs

**Instructions:**

1. Shred the cabbage.
2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Mix well.
4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet with the onion. Cook until cabbage is slightly tender, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour the cream of mushroom mixture over the cabbage in the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with bread crumbs.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

4. Spicy Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Follow steps 1-3 of the Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the shredded cabbage and continue with step 5 of the Basic Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
4. Assemble and bake as directed in steps 7-9, using pepper jack cheese for the topping.

Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Cabbage:** The cabbage should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Cooking it too long will result in a soggy casserole.
* **Drain Excess Grease:** If using ground beef or sausage, drain off any excess grease after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will result in the best flavor. Use a fresh head of cabbage and high-quality meat and cheese.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the cabbage mixture well with salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the flavor.
* **Grease the Baking Dish:** This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** Cabbage casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw completely before baking (if unbaked) or reheating (if baked).
* **Even Shredding:** Ensure the cabbage is evenly shredded for even cooking. A mandoline can help with this.
* **Layering (Optional):** Instead of mixing all the ingredients together, try layering them in the baking dish for a visually appealing casserole.
* **Consider Adding a Creamy Element:** Sour cream, cream cheese, or even a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup can add a comforting richness to the dish.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. Try adding your favorite spices, herbs, or vegetables.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the casserole and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage casserole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve with a side salad, crusty bread, or cornbread.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or steak.
* **Toppings:** Offer toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or hot sauce for guests to customize their servings.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, pairs well with cabbage casserole. A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is also a good choice.

Troubleshooting

* **Casserole is Too Dry:** Add a little milk or broth to the cabbage mixture before baking.
* **Casserole is Too Watery:** Drain off any excess liquid from the cabbage mixture before transferring it to the baking dish. You can also add a thickening agent, such as cornstarch or flour.
* **Cabbage is Not Tender:** Cook the cabbage longer in the skillet before assembling the casserole.
* **Cheese is Not Melting:** Make sure the cheese is shredded and evenly distributed over the top of the casserole. You can also broil the casserole for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
* **Casserole is Burning:** Lower the oven temperature and cover the casserole with aluminum foil.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-30g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
* Fiber: 5-8g

*Note: Nutritional information varies based on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

Cabbage casserole is a delicious, budget-friendly, and versatile dish that’s easy to make. With endless variations and additions, you can create a cabbage casserole that suits your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, cabbage casserole is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these tips and recipes, and enjoy a hearty and flavorful cabbage casserole!