Name: Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium green cabbage, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, divided); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce baked together into one satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners when I need something filling and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and budget-friendly this recipe is. It uses simple, everyday ingredients, yet delivers incredible taste. The creamy sauce balances out the earthy cabbage and seasoned beef perfectly. It’s also a one-pan dish, which makes clean-up a breeze. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, this casserole always hits the spot.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
green cabbage
onion
garlic
butter
flour
milk
sour cream
shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
salt
black pepper
paprika

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Then, I drain the excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
I stir in the flour and cook for a minute before gradually whisking in the milk to create a creamy roux.
Once thickened, I stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese until smooth. I season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
In a large pot, I boil the chopped cabbage for about 5–7 minutes until slightly tender, then drain well.
I combine the beef, cabbage, and creamy sauce in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly.
I transfer everything into a greased baking dish, top it with the remaining cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Prep time takes roughly 20 minutes, and cook time is about 30 minutes, so I can have this meal ready in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I like to swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a different flavor. For a low-carb version, I skip the flour and use heavy cream instead of milk. I’ve also added mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers to the mix for extra veggies and texture. A dash of hot sauce or mustard in the cream sauce also gives a nice kick.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I usually pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. It freezes well too—just make sure it’s cooled before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

I make sure to drain the cabbage well after boiling, and I cook down the sauce until it thickens to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, I just bake it when I’m ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I prefer sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, but mozzarella or a cheese blend also works nicely for a milder taste.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Absolutely, pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can save me prep time and still tastes great in this dish.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

It’s not gluten-free as written, but I can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch in the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of meal I turn to when I want something cozy, filling, and easy to pull together. The creamy sauce, tender cabbage, and savory beef make a comforting combo that always satisfies. Whether I serve it fresh out of the oven or enjoy the leftovers, it never disappoints.