If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that wraps you up in Southern hospitality, then this Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole brings together simple ingredients in a way that creates a warm, satisfying meal reminiscent of cozy family dinners and those cherished home-cooked vibes that never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Although the ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole truly special. From the crispness of cabbage to the rich, meaty goodness of ground beef, every bite tells a delicious story.
- Shredded cabbage: Provides a tender, slightly sweet base that soaks up all the savory flavors beautifully.
- Ground beef: Adds richness and protein, creating a hearty foundation for the casserole.
- Diced onion: Offers a mild sharpness that balances the meaty flavors perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes (drained): Bring a slight acidity and freshness to cut through the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a saucy, cohesive texture that ties the entire dish together.
- Cooked rice (optional): Boosts the heartiness and adds a lovely bite if you love a bit of texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, golden blanket that crowns the casserole with irresistible flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor subtly, layering taste beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and onions, helping to develop rich, caramelized notes.
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Offers a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy casserole beneath.
How to Make Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage perfectly so that your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly to a beautiful golden finish.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the shredded cabbage. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it just begins to soften. This step is crucial because it softens the cabbage enough to be tender yet still hold a bit of its wonderful texture inside the casserole. Drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions turn soft and fragrant. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter dish that’s still packed with flavor.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, then add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly. Finish this step by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
In your prepared baking dish, layer the softened cabbage first. Spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly over the top. If you’re using the optional cooked rice, sprinkle it now for an extra layer of heartiness and texture that makes every bite interesting.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, letting it create a rich, creamy layer that melts during baking. If you want that extra crispy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top—they bake to a buttery, crunchy crust that is simply irresistible.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the casserole smells so inviting it’s impossible to wait any longer.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow your Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set so every slice holds beautifully. Then, dive in and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Southern treasure!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add a vibrant pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side works wonderfully too, lending a creamy tang that complements the rich, cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole holds its own beautifully but pairs exceptionally well with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad or roasted root vegetables. For a true Southern feast, serve alongside classic cornbread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every bit of deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming individual portion presentation. You could also layer it in a clear baking dish or glass trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers of cabbage, beef, and cheese before baking, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days and tastes fantastic reheated, making it a perfect easy lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
This Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet; wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen—just add extra baking time until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
For reheating, pop individual servings or the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave single portions for a quick, comforting meal with minimal fuss.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage make excellent substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat’s texture and fat content.
Is it necessary to boil the cabbage first?
Boiling softens the cabbage and reduces its volume so that it doesn’t release too much water during baking, which keeps the casserole from getting soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. Adjust seasonings to taste to enhance the flavors.
What if I don’t have cooked rice on hand?
The rice is optional, so you can leave it out without any problem. It adds a nice texture, but the casserole is still hearty and filling without it.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic warmth and rich flavors of the Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe to make your kitchen feel like home. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or looking for a cozy weeknight dish, this casserole delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and add this Southern classic to your recipe collection!
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Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A comforting and hearty Old Fashioned Southern Cabbage Casserole featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This classic casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shredded cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it just begins to soften. Drain the cabbage thoroughly and set aside to remove excess moisture.
- Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Flavor the beef: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors and heat through. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked cabbage first, then spread the beef mixture evenly on top. If using cooked rice, sprinkle it over the beef layer to add texture and extend the dish.
- Add toppings: Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy this classic Southern comfort food.
Notes
- To reduce carbs, omit the rice or substitute with cauliflower rice.
- For a gluten free option, use gluten free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the beef mixture.
