Hearty Ground Beef and Creamed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Benefits and Advantages of Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole

The creamed cabbage ground beef casserole offers a perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and satisfying flavors, making it an excellent choice for busy households and home cooks of all levels. Its straightforward preparation requires common ingredients and easy steps, making it accessible without sacrificing quality. Nutritionally, this casserole features cabbage, a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber and vitamins like vitamin C and K, supporting digestive health and immune function. Paired with protein-rich ground beef, the dish sustains energy and muscle maintenance. The creamy sauce provides indulgence while complementing the tender vegetables. Additionally, this recipe is adaptable, allowing substitutions to fit various dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-fat, broadening its appeal. Overall, it serves as a hearty, wholesome meal option suitable for family dinners or meal prep.

Essential Ingredients for Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole

• 6 slices no sugar bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 ¼ pounds (about 567 g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon dry minced onion (or 1 medium onion, diced)
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into thin slices
• 1 head of cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups shredded)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or homemade mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper)
• Dash of fresh ground black pepper
• Sauce ingredients:
• ¼ cup (56 g) butter
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (or guar gum as alternative)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

These ingredients contribute texture, flavor, and nutritional value. The cabbage adds crunch and nutrients, ground beef supplies protein, and bacon enriches savory depth. The cream sauce creates a luscious consistency. Choosing gluten-free and fresh spices ensures a wholesome, tasty casserole.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole is versatile and can be adapted for many dietary needs. For a different protein source, substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for varied flavors and leaner options. Vegetarians or vegans can replace beef with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based ground meat, and swap dairy-based cream with coconut or cashew cream to keep the richness.

Gluten-free versions require checking all ingredients, especially seasonings and xanthan gum, which is naturally gluten-free, or replacing with guar gum. To reduce fat content, use leaner meats and low-fat dairy or dairy alternatives. Adding minced garlic or cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan (or vegan cheese) can further customize taste and texture. Adjust seasonings to maintain balance while accommodating dietary restrictions, making this dish inclusive and satisfying.

How to Prepare the Perfect Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to ready for baking.
2. Prepare cabbage and aromatics: Core and coarsely chop the cabbage (about 6 cups shredded). Dice the onion or use dry minced onion.
3. Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain and chop, then set aside.
4. Sauté ground beef: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with onion until fully cooked. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning. Remove from heat.
5. Soften cabbage: Place chopped cabbage in a microwave-safe casserole dish with ½ teaspoon salt and sliced cold butter. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes until cabbage softens (or sauté until tender in a skillet).
6. Assemble layers: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the softened cabbage. Layer browned ground beef evenly over it, then sprinkle chopped bacon and optional ingredients such as cheese or potatoes. Add remaining cabbage on top.
7. Make cream sauce: In the skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium-high heat. Add heavy cream and water, whisk in xanthan gum gradually, cooking until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Pour sauce: Spread the cream sauce evenly over the layered casserole.
9. Bake: Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and cabbage is tender. For a golden crust, remove foil during the last 10 minutes.
10. Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld.

This method balances timing and layering for an evenly cooked, creamy, and flavorful casserole adaptable to various diets. For ground beef cooking tips, consult How to Cook Ground Beef Perfectly.

Understanding xanthan gum’s role in thickening can be helpful see What is Xanthan Gum and How to Use It.

Advanced Tips and Variations

To intensify the flavors in your creamed cabbage ground beef casserole, try adding smoked paprika or a touch of cumin to the seasoning blend for a smoky or earthy note. Sprinkling shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top before baking creates a flavorful golden crust; vegan cheese alternatives also work well for dairy-free versions. Mixing fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the cabbage layer will add aromatic depth to the dish.

For more vegetable content, incorporate diced carrots or bell peppers, which boost color and nutrition without overpowering the classic taste. To lighten the casserole, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a pureed silken tofu mixture to keep creaminess while lowering fat. Browning the ground beef slowly in a skillet before mixing enhances its caramelization, improving overall flavor complexity.

Serve the casserole with a crisp green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal. These variations help keep this comfort food dish exciting, while preserving the creamy, savory essence that makes it a satisfying classic.

How to Store Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential for maintaining quality and safety of your creamed cabbage ground beef casserole. After cooking, allow the casserole to cool slightly, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours to prevent bacterial growth, and consume within three to four days for the best freshness.

For extended storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label each with the date, as it maintains peak quality for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in an oven or microwave until hot throughout. Reheating in the oven helps retain the casserole’s creamy texture and prevents sogginess.

Nutritional Value of Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole

This casserole offers a high-protein, moderate-fat profile with relatively low carbohydrates, making it well-suited for low-carb or keto diets. Vitamin-rich cabbage adds fiber and antioxidants, supporting digestive and immune health. The dish’s fat content stems primarily from ground beef and cream, which can be adjusted by choosing leaner beef and lower-fat dairy options. The moderate sodium level can be managed by reducing added salt or using low-sodium bacon.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole

Hearty Ground Beef and Creamed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

---

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Keto-Friendly, Low Carb

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

🥘 Savor the hearty blend of creamy cabbage and seasoned ground beef in this comforting casserole.
🧀 Perfect for a filling meal that combines rich flavors with tender textures for a satisfying dinner option.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

6 slices no sugar bacon, cooked and chopped
1 1/4 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon dry minced onion (or 1 medium onion, diced)
3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into thin slices
1 head of cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped (about 6 cups shredded)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or homemade mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper)
Dash of fresh ground black pepper

For the sauce:
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup water
1 teaspoon xanthan gum (or guar gum)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Optional add-ins:
2 cloves minced garlic
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Thinly sliced potatoes (for layering)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, drain, chop, and set aside.
3. Sauté ground beef with minced onion in the same skillet until browned; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning, then set aside.
4. Place chopped cabbage with salt and cold butter slices in a microwave-safe dish; cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes until softened (alternatively sauté until softened).
5. Transfer half the softened cabbage to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Layer cooked ground beef evenly over the cabbage.
7. Sprinkle chopped bacon and optional add-ins like cheese or potatoes over the beef.
8. Add remaining cabbage as the top layer.
9. Melt butter in skillet, add heavy cream and water, whisk in xanthan gum gradually; cook until sauce thickens.
10. Remove from heat, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
11. Pour sauce evenly over the layered casserole.
12. Cover loosely with foil and bake 30 minutes until hot and bubbly; remove foil for last 10 minutes to brown top if desired.
13. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

🥓 Use sugar-free bacon to keep the dish keto-friendly.
🍳 Microwave or sauté cabbage thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
🧂 Xanthan gum is essential for thickening the cream sauce; guar gum works as an alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 605mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Ground Beef, Creamed Cabbage, Casserole, Hearty