Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Name: Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices no sugar bacon cooked and chopped; 1 ¼ pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon dry minced onion; 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into thin slices; 1 head of cabbage cored and coarsely chopped; ½ teaspoon salt or to taste; ¼ cup butter; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon xanthan gum; ½ teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning I used Emeril’s Brand (see note); dash fresh ground black pepper

written by :

Eliza Nooman

May 1, 2025

a plate of Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef

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Imagine the cozy flavors of your grandma’s kitchen—simple, hearty, and soul-soothing. That’s exactly what creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole delivers. This dish is a warm, bubbling, cheesy combination of tender cabbage, well-seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, baked until everything melds into pure comfort.

Unlike some fussy casseroles that require multiple pans or fancy techniques, this one is a breeze. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to hover over the stove all evening.

Why You’ll Love Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Let’s be real—there are tons of casseroles out there. But this one? It hits different. Here’s why:

Budget-Friendly: Cabbage and ground beef are inexpensive pantry staples.
Family-Approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

It’s the kind of meal that tastes like home—no matter where you’re from.

How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

This dish is the ultimate comfort food with a low-carb twist. You’ve got seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all baked together into one satisfying casserole. Here’s how to whip it up step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground beef
1 small head of cabbage (chopped)
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked through, drain off the excess fat and set the beef aside.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion and garlic for a few minutes, just until they’re fragrant and soft. This will build a great flavor base for the casserole.

Cook the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook it down until it becomes tender. This usually takes about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything cooking evenly.

Add Cream and Seasonings

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, giving the cabbage time to soak up all that rich flavor.

Combine with Ground Beef

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the creamy cabbage mixture. Everything should be well coated and evenly combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the creamy beef and cabbage mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Add Cheese and Bake

Top the casserole with shredded cheese. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil it for an extra 2–3 minutes at the end.

Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It firms up a bit as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the draining: Removing the fat from the beef helps keep the casserole from getting greasy.

Taste and season: Before baking, make sure your filling is seasoned to your liking.

Add extras: Want more texture or flavor? Stir in cooked bacon, mushrooms, or a dash of paprika.

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole RECIPE

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up a bit? This casserole is super flexible. Here are a few easy ways to make it your own:

Try a different meat: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you want something a little different.
Switch the cheese: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda work great too.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
Add more veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach.
Go dairy-free: Use plant-based cheese and coconut cream instead of regular cream and cheese.
Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or mix in some Greek yogurt for a little tang.

What to Serve with It

This creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole is filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few tasty ideas:

Simple green salad – Something fresh and crisp balances out the richness. Just toss some greens with olive oil and vinegar.

Roasted veggies – Try roasting carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful side.

Cauliflower mash – It’s a great low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes and goes perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Dinner rolls or keto bread – If you’re not watching carbs, a warm roll on the side is always welcome.

Pickles or sauerkraut – A tangy side helps cut through the richness and adds a nice contrast.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to save time during the week? This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Here’s how to do it:

Prep the night before: Assemble the whole casserole, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Cook the filling ahead: You can brown the beef, cook the cabbage, and mix everything up a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container and assemble it later.
Freeze it: This dish freezes really well! Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheat leftovers: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F or microwave single portions for a quick, satisfying meal.

FAQs about Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?

Yes! If you’re short on time, bagged coleslaw mix is a great shortcut. Just keep in mind it cooks faster than fresh cabbage, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking.

How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely. This casserole freezes well. Let it cool, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto or low-carb lifestyle—just double-check your ingredients to make sure they fit your plan.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can! Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. Coconut cream works well, and there are some great dairy-free shredded cheeses out there now.

Final Thoughts

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is one of those feel-good, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meals that’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor—and the best part? It’s flexible enough to fit your tastes, your schedule, and even your diet.

Whether you’re cooking for the whole family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this casserole checks all the boxes. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and just the right amount of comfort in every bite.