Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Hearty Cabbage Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Easy cabbage casserole turns humble vegetables into a comforting meal that wins over even the pickiest eaters at your table.

It's a budget-friendly option that feels hearty enough for chilly evenings but light enough not to weigh you down.

The combination works beautifully as a main course or generous side, fitting right into casual gatherings and potluck spreads.

You can count on it to satisfy those who crave something warm, filling, and wholesome without complicated techniques or hard-to-find items.

It reheats like a dream, so leftovers become an asset rather than an afterthought.

Best of all, it brings cozy home-cooked goodness to any occasion without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Check out the full recipe below and see just how simple satisfying dinners can be.

Why Easy Cabbage Casserole Belongs On Your Menu

Why Easy Cabbage Casserole Belongs On Your Menu
  • Simple Comfort: This cabbage casserole brings serious cozy dinner vibes that’ll make your whole family feel warm and satisfied.
  • Budget-Friendly Meal: Cabbage is super cheap, so you can feed a crowd without spending much money on ingredients.
  • Veggie Transformation: Transform boring cabbage into a cheesy, creamy side dish that even vegetable skeptics will gladly eat.
  • One-Dish Wonder: Toss everything into a single baking dish and let the oven do the work, which means minimal cleanup and maximum relaxation after dinner.

Ingredient List for Easy Cabbage Casserole

Core Ingredients:
  • Cabbage (1 Small Head, Shredded): This crisp vegetable brings a wonderful base texture to your casserole. Choose a fresh head that feels firm and heavy.
  • Cheddar Cheese (2 Cups, Shredded): A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy flavor to your dish. Sharp varieties provide more punch.
  • Onion (1 Large, Thinly Sliced): Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth to the casserole. Slice thinly for even distribution.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Cream Of Celery Soup (1 10.75 oz Can): Provides creamy moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. Creates a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Butter (2 Tablespoons, Melted): Adds richness and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
Topping Ingredient:
  • Italian-Seasoned Bread Crumbs (1 ½ Cups): Delivers a delightful crunchy texture on top of the casserole. Sprinkle generously for maximum crispness.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Cabbage Casserole

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Your go-to rectangular pan that’ll hold all the delicious cabbage mixture perfectly.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Where you’ll combine and toss all your ingredients before transferring to the baking dish.
  • Cheese Grater: Great for shredding your own fresh Cheddar cheese if you prefer.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Perfect for slicing onions and chopping cabbage with precision.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps you get the right proportions of ingredients every time.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers your casserole to keep moisture locked in during baking.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing your vegetables.

Steps for Making Easy Cabbage Casserole

Steps for Making Easy Cabbage Casserole
1

Prepare the Oven

Crank up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it nearby.

2

Chop and Combine Vegetables

Shred that cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion thin and thinly. In a large mixing bowl, toss together your veggie friends:

  • 1 small head cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 large onion (thinly sliced)

Make sure everything gets a good mix.

3

Create the Creamy Base

Time to bring some richness to the party. Add these ingredients to your veggie mix:

  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of celery soup
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Stir everything until the ingredients are friends and well-combined.

4

Add the Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle 1 ½ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs evenly across the top of the casserole. This will give your dish a fantastic crispy layer.

5

Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide it into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 45 minutes.

6

Final Crisp

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges. The casserole should look deliciously crisp and inviting.

7

Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Grab a big spoon and dig in!

Good To Know Before Cooking Easy Cabbage Casserole

  • Grate your own Cheddar for maximum melty goodness and fresher flavor than pre-shredded bags.
  • Chop cabbage into consistent, bite-sized pieces so every spoonful gets perfect texture and even cooking.
  • Don’t skip the cream of celery soup – it keeps your casserole creamy and prevents any dry spots from forming.
  • Toast those breadcrumbs in a dry pan before sprinkling to give your topping extra golden-brown crispiness.
  • Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after pulling from the oven so everything settles and becomes easier to serve.

Creative Variations for Easy Cabbage Casserole

Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole: Replace the cream of celery soup with a plant-based cream of mushroom soup and swap Cheddar cheese for vegan cheese to create a delicious meat-free version that keeps all the comforting flavors.

Low-Carb Cabbage Casserole: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a satisfying crunchy topping that works perfectly for keto diets.

Spicy Southwest Cabbage Casserole: Add diced green chiles, swap Cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle some chili powder into the mix to give your casserole a zesty southwestern kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.

Mediterranean Herb Cabbage Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add chopped fresh herbs like oregano and parsley, and use olive oil instead of butter to transform the dish with bright Mediterranean flavors.

Best Ways To Enjoy Easy Cabbage Casserole

  • Serve with Protein: Pair this comforting casserole with sliced roast chicken or grilled pork chops to round out your meal and add some lean protein to your plate.
  • Veggie Side Kick: Toss a simple green salad with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy cabbage casserole.
  • Bread Companion: Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls make a perfect side to soak up those delicious cheesy juices from your casserole.
  • Wine Suggestion: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, cheesy flavors of this hearty dish.

Proper Storage For Easy Cabbage Casserole

  • Stash your leftover cabbage casserole in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal it tight to lock in all those delicious flavors.
  • When freezing, skip the breadcrumb topping and wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Your frozen dish will stay good for about a month.
  • Reheat refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, to keep the texture moist and prevent drying out. A sprinkle of extra cheese never hurts when warming up.
  • Store any unused breadcrumbs in a sealed zip-top bag in your pantry, away from moisture, so they stay crisp for your next casserole adventure.

Easy Cabbage Casserole Common Questions

FAQ

Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?

Fresh cabbage works best. Frozen cabbage tends to release too much water and can make your casserole soggy.

FAQ

What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?

Cream of mushroom soup makes an excellent substitute with a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

FAQ

Are Italian breadcrumbs necessary?

Not required. Regular breadcrumbs work perfectly fine, and you can even add some dried herbs to them for extra flavor.

FAQ

Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to your total cooking time.

FAQ

How do I know when the casserole is done?

Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown top. The cheese should be melted, and the cabbage should be tender when pierced with a fork.

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Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Cabbage casserole brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Hearty layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and melted cheese create a simple, satisfying meal your family will devour.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 small head cabbage
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese
  • 1 large onion

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 10.75 oz condensed cream of celery soup

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it nearby.
  2. Shred 1 small head of cabbage into thin, uniform strips using a sharp knife or food processor.
  3. Slice 1 large onion into delicate, translucent rings that will distribute evenly through your casserole.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, cabbage, and onion slices.
  5. Pour 1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of celery soup into the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
  6. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the ingredients and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  7. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  8. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of Italian-seasoned bread crumbs across the top of the casserole for a crispy golden topping.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during initial baking.
  10. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and edges become slightly crispy.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Chop cabbage uniformly for even cooking and better texture throughout the casserole.
  • Use full-fat cheese for maximum creaminess and richer flavor in your dish.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Daniel Navarro

Daniel Navarro

Culinary Content Director

Expertise

Mexican-inspired Menus, Seasonal Restaurant Specials, Shared Plate Dining, Tequila Pairings, Chef-driven Recipes

Education

City Colleges of Chicago
  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate in Applied Science
  • Focus: Trained in hands-on food production in a commercial food-service setting, with coursework that covers culinary technique, ethnic and classical menus, business planning, cost control, and merchandising.

Daniel writes about bold flavors, chef-driven dishes, and the kind of restaurant moments that turn tacos, mezcal, and shared plates into a night worth repeating.

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