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Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole - recipe card
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A hearty, comforting casserole featuring tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce, all baked under a bubbly blanket of melted cheddar cheese. The cabbage retains a slight bite while absorbing the rich flavors of the beef and spices, creating a satisfying one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, ensuring the bottom and sides are lightly coated to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent — about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
  4. Sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
  5. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add the cabbage chunks to the pot in batches, stirring gently to incorporate them into the sauce. Continue to cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt and reduce in volume by about half. It will still be somewhat crunchy — it will finish cooking in the oven.
  7. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy tomato sauce that coats the cabbage and beef evenly.
  8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown in spots. For a deeper color, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve without the liquid pooling. Serve hot, spooned onto plates.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F / 177°C oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use reduced-fat sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage casserole, pioneer woman recipe, ground beef casserole, creamy cabbage bake, comfort food casserole, American casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy cabbage, tomato beef casserole, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-cabbage-casserole/