Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights. This easy cabbage casserole with hamburger brings old-fashioned flavors together in a modern, low-fuss bake.

Intro & Personal Story

What is Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole?

If there’s one dish that takes us straight back to our childhood dinner table, it’s this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole. We first tasted it during a snowy weekend when our grandma whipped it up using pantry basics and leftover cabbage. The smell alone had us racing into the kitchen! It was creamy, cozy, and just the kind of hearty one-dish wonder that warms you from the inside out.

At its core, this casserole is all about simple ingredients tender cabbage, browned ground beef, and a rich cream sauce layered and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a fantastic example of how humble veggies like cabbage can become the star of a dish. And for busy nights? It’s a lifesaver.

Budget-friendly, filling, and genuinely comforting — this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole makes the most of a simple head of cabbage. We’ve tested and re-tested this recipe until it was not just good but crave-worthy.

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

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• Author: Emma & Ella
• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy, and hearty this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknights or keto-friendly dinners.

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Ingredients

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1 pound Ground Beef

1 small head Green Cabbage, chopped

1 medium Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 cup Heavy Cream

1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1 teaspoon Paprika

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, heat: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic; cook 30: Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Add chopped cabbage. Cook: Add chopped cabbage. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened.
5. Pour in heavy cream: Pour in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
6. Transfer mixture to casserole: Transfer mixture to casserole dish and spread evenly.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese: Top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake 20–25 minutes, until: Bake 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before: Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

To make it keto, use high-fat cheese and avoid breadcrumbs.

Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Add red pepper flakes for heat or swap cheddar with gouda for a smokier flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Why You’ll Love It

This cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is the perfect mix of creamy and savory with a gentle crunch from softened cabbage. What makes it a repeat dinner favorite?

• It’s a one-pan meal easy prep, easy clean-up.
• It’s incredibly customizable: you can toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or even top it with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly crunch.
• It’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for batch cooking.
• It satisfies picky eaters and cabbage lovers alike.

Plus, it reheats like a dream. And if you’re a fan of casseroles like our Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole or looking for something quick like our Busy Day Soup, then this one definitely deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

This easy cabbage casserole with hamburger also happens to be lower in carbs than your average comfort bake. So if you’re following a keto-ish plan? This dish is creamy, satisfying, and hits the mark without needing pasta or rice.

Quick Overview

This creamy ground beef and cabbage bake comes together with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even potlucks.

Below is a quick glance at everything you’ll need to know before getting started:

This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, busy parents, or anyone who’s craving something warm and cheesy without breaking the budget or a sweat. If you’re a fan of hearty meals like our Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl or quick casseroles such as Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions, you’ll find this cabbage casserole equally satisfying.

Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for more comforting dinner ideas.

Ingredients

This creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole keeps it simple and satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role in building creamy, savory depth with just the right amount of texture. Below is everything you’ll need to make this easy cabbage casserole with hamburger.

You’ll Need:

• 1 pound ground beef – Choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped – Crisp, fresh cabbage works best. Remove tough outer leaves and core before chopping.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Yellow or white onions both add sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but you can substitute 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This brings the creamy texture that makes the casserole irresistible.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar adds richness. Use pre-shredded or shred your own.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a touch of color and warmth; feel free to use smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste, especially if using seasoned beef or cheese.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground gives the best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing; avocado oil also works.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a golden, savory crust when baked.

Optional Add-ins:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Sliced mushrooms for extra umami.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like a little heat.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and flexible. If you’ve made our Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles or Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll recognize how a few bold ingredients can transform dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This creamy ground beef and cabbage bake is as easy as it is comforting. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a bubbling, golden casserole on the table in under an hour.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to distribute the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir to combine. Let it cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens slightly. It should still have a bit of bite.

Step 5: Add Cream & Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and a rich, creamy sauce coats the meat and cabbage mixture.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, savory crust.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. The edges should be slightly crispy.

Step 8: Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes slicing easier.

It’s dinner perfection! Like our Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packets and Baked Chicken Chimichangas, this dish is packed with comfort and made for busy nights.

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides and light contrasts. Here are our favorite ways to serve it — works for a weeknight dinner or a table of guests:

1. Add a Bright Side Salad
A crisp, acidic salad balances the richness of the cream and cheese. Try a simple cucumber and vinegar salad or something leafy with vinaigrette our Cucumber and Pineapple Salad is a refreshing match.

2. Serve with Low-Carb Bread or Rolls
For those keeping it keto, pair this dish with almond flour biscuits or cloud bread. If you’re not limiting carbs, crusty garlic bread is a classic comfort companion.

3. Make It a Complete Southern-Style Dinner
Add a scoop of mashed cauliflower or roasted green beans to round out the meal. This casserole is perfect next to old-school favorites like skillet cornbread or buttered peas.

4. Top It With a Fried Egg (Trust Us)
A fried or poached egg on top turns leftovers into a cozy breakfast-for-dinner moment. That runny yolk + creamy casserole? Heaven.

5. Serve in Individual Ramekins for Guests
For a dinner party or holiday table, bake this dish in small ramekins for individual servings. It looks elegant and makes plating easy.

No matter how you serve it, this creamy ground beef and cabbage bake never disappoints. And if you enjoy cozy dishes like this, you’ll probably love our Brownie Refrigerator Cake for dessert.

Pro Tips & Storage

Want to make this easy cabbage casserole with hamburger even better? These kitchen-tested tips and tricks will ensure it turns out perfect every time plus how to store and reheat like a pro.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

1. Don’t Overcook the Cabbage
It should soften slightly in the skillet but still have structure. If overcooked early, it can become mushy after baking.

2. Drain Excess Fat
After browning the beef, drain off extra grease before adding the cabbage. This keeps the casserole from turning greasy and ensures the cream thickens properly.

3. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. Shred fresh cheddar for that creamy, silky finish.

4. Make It Keto-Friendly
This casserole is already low in carbs, but to stay keto-focused, skip any breadcrumb topping and use high-fat dairy. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

5. Want More Crunch?
Top the casserole with crushed pork rinds or a sprinkle of toasted nuts before baking for a delicious texture contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Yes, you can freeze cabbage and ground beef casserole! Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat single servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. To reheat the full dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, until heated through.

We love doubling this recipe and freezing half for busy nights just like we do with our No-Bake Easter Cheesecake and other make-ahead favorites.

FAQs

This creamy ground beef and cabbage bake is everything we love in a weeknight meal rich, easy, and endlessly adaptable. Make it ahead, feed a crowd, or just want a low-carb dinner that actually satisfies — this casserole handles all three.

Try it tonight, then tag us on Pinterest or Facebook and show us your bubbly, golden creations. We can’t wait to see how it turns out in your kitchen!