Savory Cabbage & Cheese Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Savory Cabbage & Cheese Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for cooler evenings. It's a delicious way to enjoy cabbage, combining it with gooey cheese, flavorful turkey, and crispy bacon. Simple to prepare and satisfying, it's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Savory Cabbage & Cheese Casserole

Cabbage provides a nutritious and crunchy base, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Ground turkey adds a lean protein punch, while bacon lends a smoky, savory note. Onion and garlic form the aromatic backbone, enhancing every bite. For creaminess, we use heavy cream and chicken broth, which also tie the flavors together. The sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese create that luscious, gooey texture we all love. Olive oil helps to cook everything to perfection, while salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme season the dish with depth and warmth.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chop the cabbage fairly small to ensure it cooks evenly and melds well with the other ingredients.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor payoff.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the cheesy sauce. For a complete dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! Gruyère or mozzarella would be excellent alternatives.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Savory Cabbage & Cheese Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it's ready for the casserole when you are. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it cook until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside. Don't clean the skillet just yet; those bacon drippings are flavor gold!

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant — this will take just a few minutes. Now, add the ground turkey and cook until it's browned, making sure to break it up as you go. Season this with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme for a fragrant, savory base.

Next, stir in the chopped cabbage. Cook it until it starts to wilt slightly, letting it absorb those delicious flavors. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Once combined, pour this creamy mixture over the turkey and cabbage in the skillet, stirring it all together.

Transfer everything into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it's golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick prep time: Perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich in flavor: The combination of bacon, cheese, and spices is unbeatable.
  • Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
  • Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce.
  • Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 head green cabbage
1 lb ground turkey
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
4. Add ground turkey to the skillet; cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
5. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.
6. In a bowl, mix heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Pour the cheese mixture over the cabbage and turkey; stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. Top with crispy bacon bits.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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