What ingredients can I use to thicken a creamed cabbage ground beef casserole without xanthan gum?

Answer guidance: Provide alternatives such as guar gum, arrowroot, or cornstarch, noting their effects on texture and dietary considerations. Mention amounts and preparation tips to help readers select the best thickener for their needs.

How many servings does a creamed cabbage ground beef casserole typically yield and what is the estimated net carb count per serving?

Answer guidance: Include approximate serving size information and clear carb counts with fiber subtraction. Reference possible variations based on ingredient swaps to help users manage dietary goals.

Can I prepare a creamed cabbage ground beef casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

Answer guidance: Explain steps for assembling and refrigerating the casserole before baking, ideal storage times, and reheating tips to maintain flavor and safety. This helps readers plan meals efficiently.

What protein options can I use instead of ground beef in this casserole recipe?

Answer guidance: List alternatives like ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based substitutes, describing flavor and texture differences as well as cooking considerations to guide recipe adaptation.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free or add more vegetables for variety?

Answer guidance: Suggest dairy-free cream and cheese replacements such as coconut milk or almond-based products. Recommend vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, including how additions impact taste and nutrition to encourage customization.

Creamed Cabbage Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food

Name: Hearty Ground Beef and Creamed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Thinly sliced potatoes (for layering)

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

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