1. What is Easy Cabbage Casserole?

Easy Cabbage Casserole is comfort food at its coziest — layers of tender cabbage baked with a rich, cheesy, savory filling.
It’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, perfect for when you want a no-fuss, family-pleasing meal.

This casserole is:

A great way to use up extra cabbage
Quick to throw together
Warm, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying

It’s a little like lasagna — but with cabbage instead of noodles.
And the best part? It’s affordable, healthy-ish, and totally customizable.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is simple, but they come together into something magical! <ul> <li>Cabbage: Green cabbage, chopped or shredded</li> <li>Ground beef or turkey: For a meaty, hearty filling</li> <li>Onion: Diced finely for sweetness and depth</li> <li>Garlic: Freshly minced for a flavor punch</li> <li>Tomato sauce: The rich, savory base</li> <li>Cheddar cheese: For melty, cheesy goodness</li> <li>Egg: Helps bind everything together</li> <li>Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning</li> <li>Olive oil: For sautéing</li> </ul>

Optional extras:

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top
A dash of crushed red pepper for some heat

3. How to Make It (Step-by-Step Guide)

This casserole is all about layering simple ingredients into something delicious.

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Steam or boil until just tender (about 5 minutes).
Drain very well to avoid watery casserole.

Tip: Spread the cabbage on a towel and pat dry if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings.
Simmer for a few minutes to let flavors meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the cabbage in the bottom.
Spread half of the meat sauce over the cabbage.
Sprinkle with a little cheese.
Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Beat an egg and drizzle it over the top for extra binding (optional).
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Let it Rest

Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

4. Tips and Tricks for the Best Cabbage Casserole

Want your casserole to be next-level? Here’s how:

Dry the cabbage well. Too much moisture = soggy casserole.
Season every layer. Light salt and pepper between layers bring out the flavors.
Use sharp cheddar. It melts better and tastes richer.
Add a little spice. A pinch of paprika or cayenne perks up the flavors nicely.
Let it rest after baking. This helps it firm up for easier slicing.

Pro tip: Make it a day ahead — it tastes even better after the flavors settle overnight!

5. Fun Variations to Try

You can totally customize this casserole to suit your tastes: <ul> <li>Low-carb version: Skip the tomato sauce and just use seasoned ground meat and cheese.</li> <li>Vegetarian option: Swap the meat for lentils, chickpeas, or extra veggies.</li> <li>Cheesy overload: Mix mozzarella and Parmesan with cheddar for a super cheesy top.</li> <li>Mexican twist: Add taco seasoning to the meat and top with salsa and cheddar.</li> <li>Chicken version: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.</li> </ul>

Once you know the basics, it’s easy to make it your own!

6. Serving and Storing Suggestions

How to Serve

Cabbage Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs great with:

A simple green salad: For a fresh, crunchy side
Crusty bread: Perfect for scooping up all the goodness
Roasted veggies: Like carrots or Brussels sprouts
Pickles: For a tangy, crunchy contrast

How to Store

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, or microwave single portions.

Tip: Always let it cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals!

FAQs

1. Can I make cabbage casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.

2. How do I keep my casserole from getting watery?

Dry the cabbage very well after boiling or steaming. You can even spread it on a towel and pat dry to remove as much moisture as possible.

3. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

You can, but red cabbage tends to be a little tougher and has a slightly sweeter flavor. It’ll also turn the dish a pretty purple color!

4. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a bold flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or sprinkle Parmesan on top for extra savoriness.

5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of beans and veggies for a hearty, meatless version.

6. How long does cabbage casserole last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, it should last about 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

7. Can I freeze cabbage casserole?

Yes! Freeze either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

8. Can I add rice to the casserole?

Definitely! Cooked rice makes the casserole even heartier. Stir about 1–2 cups of cooked rice into the meat mixture before layering.

9. Can I use coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?

You can — it’s a great shortcut! Just make sure to briefly steam it so it’s tender before layering in the casserole.

10. How do I reheat frozen cabbage casserole?

If frozen unbaked, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If already baked, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 25–30 minutes.