Comfort Food at Its Finest: Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than ground beef and cabbage casserole! This dish is a comforting classic that combines the savory richness of ground beef with the slightly sweet and earthy flavor of cabbage, all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s surprisingly easy to make and endlessly customizable, making it a staple in many households. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and satisfying casserole every time.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this casserole is a winner:

* **Flavorful and Hearty:** The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and a creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and satisfying.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef and cabbage are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great meal for feeding a family on a budget.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

* **Ground Beef:** 1.5 pounds, lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is recommended.
* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head, about 2 pounds, shredded or chopped.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Cream of Mushroom Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup (full-fat or low-fat).
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1.5 cups, cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Beef Broth:** 1/2 cup.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional:** 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color), 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering ground beef and cabbage casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage**

* Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if they are wilted or damaged.
* Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core.
* Shred the cabbage using a knife, mandoline, or food processor. You can also chop it into smaller pieces if you prefer.

**Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned.
* Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
* Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* If using, add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.

**Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Seasonings**

* Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet.
* Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
* Stir well to combine.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened and slightly wilted, about 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess moisture from the cabbage.

**Step 5: Make the Sauce**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, tomato paste, and beef broth.
* Whisk until smooth and well combined.

**Step 6: Assemble the Casserole**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Spread half of the ground beef and cabbage mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
* Pour half of the sauce over the mixture.
* Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
* Repeat the layers with the remaining ground beef and cabbage mixture, sauce, and cheese.

**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

**Step 8: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Use Different Ground Meat:** If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for a little heat.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack.
* **Add Rice or Noodles:** For a heartier casserole, add a layer of cooked rice or noodles before adding the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
* **Creamier Texture:** Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
* **Tomato Flavor Boost:** Add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) to the ground beef and cabbage mixture for a richer tomato flavor.
* **Spice it up:** Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky and slightly spicy kick.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Instead of dried herbs, use fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** After browning the ground beef, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to add depth of flavor.
* **Bacon Bits:** Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top of the casserole before baking for a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
* **Sour Cream Substitute:** Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream.
* **Low-Carb Option:** Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cheese sauce using cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This ground beef and cabbage casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
* **Garlic Bread:** A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes make a comforting and complementary side dish.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.
* **Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw provides a cool and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if the casserole seems dry.
* **Freezing:** This casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 50 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5 pounds lean ground beef
* 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded or chopped
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1. 5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, drain excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Add bell pepper (if using) and cook for a few minutes more.
4. Add cabbage, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Cook until cabbage is softened, about 10-15 minutes.
5. In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, tomato paste, and beef broth.
6. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the ground beef mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Conclusion

This ground beef and cabbage casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its customizable nature, you can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a heartwarming casserole that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Bon appétit!