Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage: Your 1-Pan Comfort Meal

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage: Your 1-Pan Comfort Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika

by Jannet Lisa

12 de August de 2025

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Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage has become my go-to weeknight meal when I need something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious. I remember the first time I made this Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole with Cheese; the aroma of savory beef and slightly sweet cabbage bubbling under a blanket of melted cheddar filled my kitchen, and my family practically ran to the table. It’s that kind of simple, satisfying dish that just makes everyone happy. The tender ground beef melds perfectly with the softened cabbage, creating a wonderfully hearty texture. Let’s get cooking this amazing dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly quick to put together, perfect for busy weeknights.
The combination of savory ground beef and tender cabbage is pure comfort food.
You only need one pan for most of the cooking, making cleanup a breeze.
This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe is budget-friendly with simple ingredients.
The cheesy topping adds a delicious, gooey layer that everyone adores.
It’s a satisfying and hearty meal that will please the whole family.
Enjoy this flavorful Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Bake any night of the week!
It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making this delightful Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole with Sour Cream. The sour cream, in particular, adds a wonderful tang and creaminess that perfectly balances the richness of the beef and cheese.

1 pound ground beef – 80/20 or 90/10 works great for flavor
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped – about 6 cups, this is the heart of the dish
1 onion, chopped – adds a sweet aromatic base
2 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential savory kick
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – divided, for melting into the mixture and topping
1/2 cup sour cream – brings a creamy tang and moisture
1/4 cup milk – helps create a smooth sauce
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
1/4 teaspoon paprika – adds a subtle color and smoky note

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

Making this delicious One Pan Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage is surprisingly simple and perfect for a weeknight. You’ll have a hearty, comforting meal on the table in no time!

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes up beautifully golden.
Step 2: Grab a large skillet – this is where the magic happens for our Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Skillet. Cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease; nobody wants a greasy casserole!
Step 3: Toss the chopped onion into the same skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion softens and becomes nice and translucent, usually about 5 minutes. The aroma starting to fill your kitchen is a great sign!
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it around and cook for just 1 minute more until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky fragrance. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 5: Now, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir it all together with the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender-crisp. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it softened but still with a little bite. This is a key step for your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage.
Step 6: While the cabbage is cooking, whisk together the sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. This creamy mixture is what brings everything together.
Step 7: Pour this delicious sour cream mixture over the ground beef and cabbage in the skillet. Stir everything gently until it’s all combined really well.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the skillet. This creates that gooey, irresistible cheesy layer that makes it a true Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole with Cheese.
Step 9: Carefully place the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown.
Step 10: Once it’s out of the oven, let the Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage baking in the oven

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate this simple dish:

Don’t overcook the cabbage in the skillet; you want it tender-crisp, not mushy, for the best texture in your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Bake.
Consider using a mix of cheeses, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, for a more complex flavor profile in your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Dinner.
Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial; it helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve neat portions.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage?

The secret lies in not overcooking the cabbage initially and using good quality cheese. It’s one of those great Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole Ideas that relies on simple, fresh ingredients prepared just right.

Can I make Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely assemble this dish ahead of time. Prepare it up to the point of adding the cheese topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage?

A common pitfall is making the cabbage too soft; sauté it until just tender-crisp. Also, ensure you drain the grease from the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy final product. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after baking!

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

This hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Dinner is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, some fluffy mashed potatoes or even a simple baked sweet potato make excellent companions for this comforting dish.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious dish. This Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole is a satisfying meal.

Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage preparation.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

Once your delicious Ground Beef Cabbage Cheese Bake is ready, proper storage is key to enjoying it later. First, let the casserole cool down at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent a soggy texture when reheating. Once cooled, portion the Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage into airtight containers or wrap individual servings tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for best results. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Reheating in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) often yields the best texture, helping that cheese get bubbly again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage

What is Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage?

Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage is a comforting and straightforward baked dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with more melted cheese. It’s a fantastic, easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Think of it as a hearty casserole that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

How to make Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage?

To make Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage, you’ll typically brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet. Then, you add chopped cabbage and cook it until it’s tender-crisp. A simple mixture of sour cream, milk, and seasonings is stirred in, followed by a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, you bake it all until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s a straightforward process that results in a delicious meal.

Can I add other vegetables to my Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage?

Absolutely! This Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole is very forgiving. You can easily add other vegetables like shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or even a can of drained diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the cabbage. Just make sure they cook down appropriately with the other ingredients.

How do I make Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage spicier?

For a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture while it’s cooking. A dash of hot sauce stirred into the sour cream mixture, or even some diced jalapeños sautéed with the onions, will also give your Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage a welcome kick.

Variations of Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage You Can Try

Once you master the basic Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage, you’ll love experimenting with delicious twists. For an extra creamy and decadent version, try a Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole with Cream Cheese; simply mix in a few ounces of softened cream cheese with the sour cream mixture. If you want to make it even heartier, consider adding a layer of cooked, diced potatoes to the skillet before baking for a delightful Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole with Potatoes. You could also swap out some of the cabbage for shredded Brussels sprouts or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

A serving of Cheesy Ground Beef Cabbage on a plate