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Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, wholesome dish combining tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce. Perfect for quick family dinners, it’s a one-pan meal that delivers cozy comfort food flavors with minimal cleanup. Budget-friendly and adaptable, this casserole satisfies hearty cravings while being easy to customize for any taste or dietary need.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small green cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Seasonings and Fat

  • 2 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion finely, and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and a harmonious blend in the casserole.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart for crumbly texture. Drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics and Cabbage: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it softens and wilts slightly but still retains some texture.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or sour cream and stir thoroughly to coat the beef and cabbage. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to set, yielding the perfect comforting scoop.

Notes

  • Use fresh cabbage for sweeter flavor and crunchier texture.
  • Drain excess fat after browning beef for a lighter casserole.
  • Do not overcook cabbage; maintain a slight bite for texture.
  • Customize cream base by mixing cream with broth or milk to adjust thickness.
  • Rest casserole after baking to let sauce thicken to a luscious consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamed cabbage casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, one pan meal, creamy cabbage recipe