Cabbage Casserole

Servings: 6-8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cabbage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that turns humble cabbage into something truly special, with layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese all baked together in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

This casserole is pure nostalgia for many, reminiscent of old-fashioned church suppers and family gatherings. It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it bakes, while the beef and cheese create a savory, satisfying layer that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or just want to use up that head of cabbage in your fridge, this casserole delivers every single time. Serve it with crusty bread for the perfect comfort food meal!

Ingredients

1 large head green cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
1½ pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk (or beef broth)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: 1 cup cooked rice for added bulk

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Prepare the cabbage. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well.

4. Make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until smooth.

5. Layer the casserole. Spread half of the cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the sauce. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.

6. Bake. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.

7. Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to serve. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Variations

Add rice: Stir in cooked rice for a heartier casserole.
Different meat: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat and cream of mushroom soup.
Add cheese: Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Herb-infused: Add fresh thyme or parsley.
Low-carb: Skip the rice and add extra cabbage.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the cabbage. It will continue to cook in the oven.
Drain the cabbage well. Excess water can make the casserole watery.
Season each layer. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Let it rest. Resting helps the casserole set.
Use a sharp knife. Cabbage can be tough to chop.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cabbage?Savoy or Napa cabbage work well.

What if I don’t have tomato soup?Use tomato sauce with a little sugar.

Can I add other vegetables? Yes, bell peppers or mushrooms work well.

Can I make this ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight before baking.

What to Serve With This Casserole

Crusty bread
A fresh green salad
Roasted potatoes
Cornbread

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Casserole is pure comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and so satisfying. It’s a delicious way to enjoy cabbage!