Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole: A Comforting, Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipe

 

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole: A Comforting, Budget-Friendly Dinner Recipe

When you’re craving something warm, hearty, and easy on the wallet, this Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect answer. Combining tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish turns simple ingredients into a comforting family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers both flavor and frugality.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples like ground beef, cabbage, and milk or cream.

• Comforting and Hearty: Creamy sauce and baked goodness make this the ultimate comfort food.

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and simple cooking steps—great for busy weeknights.

• Customizable: Add cheese, spices, or extra vegetables to make it your own.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 ½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, enhances the cream flavor)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.

2. Cook the beef:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, and garlic. Once cooked, remove and drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onion and chopped cabbage, cooking until the cabbage softens (about 8–10 minutes).

4. Make the creamy sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the cabbage mixture and stir well. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with a pinch of nutmeg or paprika if desired.

5. Combine and assemble:
   Stir the cooked ground beef into the creamed cabbage mixture. Transfer everything into your prepared casserole dish.

6. Bake:
   If using cheese, sprinkle it on top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden around the edges.

7. Serve and enjoy:
   Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

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Tips and Variations

• Add crunch: Top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

• Make it lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken and low-fat milk.

• Add flavor depth: Stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

• Cheesy twist: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella right into the sauce for extra richness.

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Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick lunch.

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Final Thoughts

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of recipe that brings comfort to your table with every bite. It’s proof that you don’t need expensive ingredients or complicated steps to create a hearty, delicious meal. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners, this dish is sure to become a regular in your home-cooking rotation.