Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Comfort Food

If you’re craving warm, hearty comfort food that’s easy to make and high in protein, this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is a must-try. Combining tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and creamy sauce baked to perfection, it delivers cozy vibes in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the family, it’s satisfying, budget-friendly, and low-carb friendly. In this article, I’ll show you how to make it step-by-step, share the backstory, provide helpful storage tips, and link you to other high-protein casseroles that keep your wellness goals on track. Let’s bring the flavor—one comforting casserole at a time.

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Wins

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This creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole is rich, satisfying, and high in protein—perfect for a low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on comfort. A family-friendly favorite that’s easy to prep and freezer-friendly too.

• Author: Elena Brooks
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15)
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13” baking dish.
• 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
• 3. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
• 4. While beef cooks, steam cabbage in a microwave-safe bowl for 5–6 minutes or until soft.
• 5. Stir cream cheese and heavy cream into the beef mixture. Mix until melted and creamy.
• 6. Add steamed cabbage to the skillet and combine.
• 7. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with shredded cheddar.
• 8. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• 9. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
• • Keto-friendly: Use full-fat cream and cheese. Skip onions if strict keto.
• • Dairy-free? Swap cream and cheese with coconut cream and dairy-free shreds.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Why I Love This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Casserole Cooking Changed My Life

Hi, I’m Elena Brooks from Denver. I never imagined that cabbage would become one of my kitchen staples. But when I started focusing on high-protein meals to turn my life around, this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe became one of my secret weapons. Back when I was avoiding the mirror and skipping meals, dinner felt like a burden. One night at culinary school, we were assigned a “family-style makeover” of an old-school dish. I chose a version of my grandma’s cabbage roll recipe and turned it into this baked casserole. It was rich, creamy, filling—and made with real ingredients I could pronounce.

Over time, this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole became more than a weeknight staple—it was healing. Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich cabbage, it helped me feel full without the food guilt. I even started sharing it with my bootcamp group, and it’s now one of the most requested meal-prep recipes on ProteinMealsDaily.

If you’re in the mood for something cozy like smothered chicken and rice or creamy garlic butter chicken, this casserole hits all the same comfort notes with a lighter twist.

Why This Casserole Recipe Works

Let’s talk about why this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe stands out. First, it’s simple. You only need basic pantry ingredients, and the steps are beginner-friendly. Second, it delivers in flavor—savory beef meets soft, slightly caramelized cabbage under a creamy layer of seasoned sauce that bakes into a golden finish. It’s also flexible: you can swap out dairy for lactose-free options, use ground turkey instead of beef, or even mix in cauliflower rice for more veggies.

This casserole is ideal for busy weeknights and freezes well, just like garlic butter steak lightning noodles or a reliable creamy parmesan garlic beef pasta. Plus, it’s budget-smart—one dish stretches across multiple meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Whether you’re new to protein-focused meals or just need a go-to casserole, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Ingredients That Make This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe Work

What You’ll Need for Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

The heart of this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few whole-food ingredients, you get bold flavor and balanced nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it to life:

• Ground beef – Opt for lean 90/10 or 85/15 for a balance of moisture and protein.
• Green cabbage – Chopped into bite-sized chunks, it softens and sweetens as it bakes.
• Onion and garlic – These aromatics build flavor from the base up.
• Cream cheese – This adds richness and helps create that smooth, creamy texture.
• Heavy cream or Greek yogurt – A little goes a long way to make the sauce luscious.
• Shredded cheddar – For a melty topping that turns golden and irresistible.
• Salt, pepper, paprika – Simple seasonings that keep it savory but not overwhelming.

Optional add-ins include a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or chopped mushrooms for an earthy vibe. This is one of those recipes that invites customization—perfect for home cooks who love freedom in the kitchen.

If you enjoy high-protein, creamy dishes like our one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta, this one delivers a similar balance of indulgence and practicality.

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Any Diet

One of the best parts about this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily make it keto, low-calorie, dairy-free, or just use what’s already in your fridge.

Here are some smart substitutions:

• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free shredded cheese. The flavor holds up well.
• Lighter version? Sub in plain non-fat Greek yogurt for the cream and use 93% lean ground turkey.
• No cream cheese? Ricotta or cottage cheese can give you similar creaminess with less fat.
• More veggies? Add in chopped spinach or zucchini slices between the layers for volume.

You can even make this recipe stretch by pairing it with street corn chicken rice bowl for lunch the next day or serving it alongside garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf if you’re feeding a crowd.

No matter how you make it, this recipe holds its flavor and texture beautifully—making it a repeat star in any weekly meal plan.

How to Make Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole Step-by-Step

Simple Steps for Casserole Success

Making this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is all about layering flavor with ease. Here’s how to do it in a few straightforward steps:

1. Sauté the aromatics
   Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Brown the ground beef
   Add the ground beef directly into the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Steam the cabbage
   While the beef cooks, steam the cabbage. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water for 4–5 minutes or in a covered skillet with a bit of broth. This softens the cabbage so it doesn’t release too much moisture during baking.
4. Make the creamy sauce
   Once the beef is cooked, lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt). Mix until melted and smooth. Add the steamed cabbage to the skillet and combine everything.
5. Layer and bake
   Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest before serving
   Let it rest for 5–10 minutes out of the oven. This helps everything firm up for clean slices.

Want another protein-packed classic that’s just as fuss-free? Try our crock-pot French onion meatballs or go bold with hot honey chicken tenders in the air fryer for a little spicy balance.

Tips to Avoid a Watery Casserole

Nobody loves a soggy casserole—and this one’s all about the creamy texture. Here’s how to keep it perfect every time:

• Pre-steam or pre-sauté the cabbage to remove excess moisture before layering.
• Drain your beef if there’s too much grease. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the sauce.
• Use full-fat dairy where possible. Low-fat creams can break and add water.
• Don’t cover during baking—let that top layer brown and moisture evaporate.

This creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe is built to be forgiving, but these small tips ensure every bite is just right.

Serving and Storing This Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

How to Serve Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Once you pull this bubbly casserole from the oven, it’s ready to shine. Slice into squares or spoon it out family-style—either way, it holds up beautifully on a plate. You can serve it as a complete meal or pair it with a crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or cauliflower mash.

To round out your meal with even more high-protein comfort, try a side of cheesy garlic chicken wraps or a smaller portion next to pecan pie dump cake for a weekend treat that still supports your macros.

This casserole is just as good for lunch the next day—warm, filling, and satisfying with no guilt attached.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Meal prep lovers, rejoice—this creamed cabbage and ground beef casserole recipe stores like a dream.

To refrigerate:
Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

To freeze:
Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.

To meal prep:
You can assemble the whole dish ahead of time (unbaked), cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. When ready to eat, bake as directed.

This is one of those meals you’ll want on repeat. Like our high-protein chocolate ice cream or protein cottage cheese brownies, it’s a perfect example of how you can eat well, feel full, and never feel like you’re missing out.

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