Name: creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small head of cabbage, chopped; 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that delivers hearty satisfaction with every forkful, look no further than this cozy Cheesy Cabbage Casserole! Here, a creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base, mingling ground beef and cabbage with savory tomatoes and a lusciously rich dairy swirl. This casserole comes together in less than an hour, starring layers of melty cheddar and a buttery, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Think classic family flavors, approachable ingredients, and the kind of warmth that makes seconds practically mandatory.

creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret behind this seriously satisfying casserole. Each one brings a vital note—tender cabbage for crunch, beef for savoriness, and cheese for gooey love—all working together to make the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base truly irresistible.

Cabbage: Choose a small, fresh head and chop it into bite-sized pieces for tender flavor and bulk in every bite.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives the dish heartiness; browning it with onion builds a savory depth.
Onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatic richness, ensuring every mouthful is flavorful.
Diced Tomatoes: One 14-ounce can, undrained, keeps the casserole juicy and bright.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for a cheesy, tempting top layer you’ll want to dive into.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang, making sure the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base stands out.
Bread Crumbs: Panko or regular—either way, they crisp to perfection for a craveable golden topping.
Butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs, providing rich flavor and helping the crust brown perfectly.
Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning, indispensable for bringing every ingredient to life.

How to Make creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—I love using butter for this; it leaves the edges golden and flavorful, hinting at the goodness inside. Prepping your pan first means you won’t be scrambling at the last second when the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base and is ready to go.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion together, letting them sizzle and cook for about 5–7 minutes. Stir frequently, breaking the meat into small bits, and keep cooking until there’s no pink left. This foundational flavor ensures every future layer tastes like home.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage

Next, heap in your chopped cabbage. Don’t be intimidated by the volume—the cabbage will wilt dramatically as it cooks. Stir and sauté for another 3–4 minutes, just until the pieces start to turn tender; this step sets up that classic comforting texture once the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Season

Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour the whole lot—liquid and all—right into the skillet. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Now, stir and let everything bubble together for about 2–3 minutes. This step melds flavors and infuses juiciness into the mixture.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Remove your skillet from the heat. Fold in the sour cream gently but thoroughly, transforming your skillet from saucy to decadently creamy. At this point, pause and admire: the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base, ready to make magic in the oven.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Spread your creamy beef-cabbage mixture into the greased baking dish. This will create the rich, cohesive foundation that defines this casserole. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, blanketing the dish with cheesy promise.

Step 7: Top with Crunch

In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with your melted butter until every crumb is glossy and gold. Scatter this mixture evenly across the cheese layer, forming a soon-to-be crispy, golden crown.

Step 8: Bake and Rest

Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is irresistibly melted, the crumbs are golden brown, and you can’t stop peeking in the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this brief wait helps the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base to settle for perfect spoonfuls.

How to Serve creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base

Garnishes

For a fresh hit, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley across the bubbling casserole just before serving. Even a swirl of sour cream or a dusting of smoked paprika can add a pop of color and elevate the rich flavors that the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base provides.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I love partnering it with a light green salad or simple roasted veggies. A slice of rustic bread or a fluffy dinner roll is always welcome for swiping up every bit of the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base.

Creative Ways to Present

Take weeknight presentation up a notch by baking individual portions in ramekins, or serve with a scoop of crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch. The creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base is flexible enough to handle extra creativity—try it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or nestled into baked potatoes for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, meaning the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base is just as good—if not better—on day two or three!

Freezing

Want to make this casserole ahead? Simply assemble and bake as directed, let it cool, then wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. For extra insurance against freezer burn, tuck a layer of foil under the lid or plastic wrap.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then pop it back in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) until hot throughout, about 20 minutes. A final uncovered stretch will crisp up the topping again, so your creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base emerges just as comforting as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken mimic the texture nicely and soak up the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base flavors. Adjust seasoning as leaner meats can taste milder.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works beautifully—choose a full-fat variety for maximum creaminess. It keeps the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base tangy and rich.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a meatless crumble, cooked lentils, or even mushrooms for a hearty, plant-friendly version where the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base still shines.

Is fresh cabbage better than bagged coleslaw mix?

While fresh cabbage delivers the best texture, a bag of plain, undressed coleslaw mix saves time in a pinch and works well when you want this creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base on the table fast.

Why let the casserole rest before serving?

Resting allows the sauce to slightly thicken and layered flavors to meld, which means every scoopful of the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base holds together perfectly and tastes even better.

Final Thoughts

If cozy casseroles are your love language, you simply have to try this recipe where the creamy beef-cabbage mixture forms the base. Each bite delivers nostalgia, big flavor, and that signature cheesy crunch—comfort food at its best. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for leftovers to brighten a busy week, this is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again.