Description

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender cabbage, perfectly browned ground beef, and a smooth, luscious cream sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Easy to prepare and budget-friendly, it offers a creamy, savory experience that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
4 cups fresh green cabbage, chopped
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter (plus 1 tablespoon for roux)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
2 cups milk or cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Optional: Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage and Vegetables: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and finely dice the onion and garlic. Sauté the onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of melted butter over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add the cabbage and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally to cook evenly and avoid burning.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if desired for a lighter casserole or leave it for extra richness.
Make the Cream Sauce: In the pan used for the cabbage, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk or cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until thickened into a creamy sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs.
Combine Ingredients in a Casserole Dish: Mix the sautéed cabbage and onions, cooked ground beef, and cream sauce thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese on top to create a bubbly golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the uncovered casserole for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through and bubbling at the edges. Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
Do not skip the roux step; cooking flour with butter ensures a smooth, thickened cream sauce.
Drain excess fat from ground beef if you want to reduce greasiness, but keep some for richer flavor.
Sauté cabbage before baking to prevent sogginess and develop deeper flavors.
Let the casserole rest after baking for 5-10 minutes to set and slice cleanly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: creamed cabbage casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, creamy cabbage bake, family dinner, baked ground beef dish