This delicious and hearty cabbage casserole, inspired by Paula Deen, is a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with tender cabbage, savory beef, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Using simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes and ground beef, this flexible recipe lets you whip up a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 head cabbage, cut, cooked & drained
- 1 pound lean ground beef, browned & drained
- 1 (32-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
How To Make Cabbage Casserole?
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Prepare the mixture: Combine the cooked cabbage, browned ground beef, crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large bowl. Mix well. Reserve 1 cup / 115g of the shredded cheese for topping.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 33x23x5cm / 13x9x2-inch casserole dish. Pour the cabbage mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips:
- Cook the Cabbage Properly: Make sure the cabbage is fully cooked and well-drained before mixing it with the other ingredients. Excess water can make the casserole soggy.
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and has a nice sear. This adds depth to the flavor and prevents a greasy dish.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate your cheese at home for better melting and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese can have additives that make it less creamy.
- Season to Taste: Before assembling, taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Topping: The cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that ties the whole casserole together. Be generous for the best result!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the leftover cabbage casserole cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: After cooling to room temperature, place the casserole in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating .
- Reheat: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1,228mg
- Potassium: 793mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 24g
Check out More Recipes:
Paula Deen Cabbage Casserole
Description
This delicious and hearty cabbage casserole, inspired by Paula Deen, is a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with tender cabbage, savory beef, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Using simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes and ground beef, this flexible recipe lets you whip up a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Prepare the mixture: Combine the cooked cabbage, browned ground beef, crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large bowl. Mix well. Reserve 1 cup / 115g of the shredded cheese for topping.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 33x23x5cm / 13x9x2-inch casserole dish. Pour the cabbage mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cook the Cabbage Properly: Make sure the cabbage is fully cooked and well-drained before mixing it with the other ingredients. Excess water can make the casserole soggy.
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and has a nice sear. This adds depth to the flavor and prevents a greasy dish.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate your cheese at home for better melting and flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese can have additives that make it less creamy.
- Season to Taste: Before assembling, taste the mixture and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese Topping: The cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that ties the whole casserole together. Be generous for the best result!