Savory Cabbage and Cheese Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this Savory Cabbage and Cheese Casserole! It's perfect for a cozy family meal, combining hearty flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish. Plus, it's a great way to use up that cabbage sitting in your fridge.

Ingredients for Savory Cabbage and Cheese Casserole

Cabbage serves as the hearty base of the casserole, bringing a slight sweetness and lovely texture. The ground turkey adds a lean source of protein, soaking up the spices beautifully. Onion and garlic are sautéed for a savory depth that forms the aromatic foundation. For the cheesy goodness, we’ve got both cheddar cheese for its sharpness and cottage cheese for creaminess. Sour cream adds a tangy richness, while breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping. A mix of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper add flavor depth and seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the mixture.
  • If you prefer a bit of spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper with the smoked paprika.
  • Ensure your cabbage is chopped into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A light, zesty vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the casserole nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or even pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can omit the turkey and add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Savory Cabbage and Cheese Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. You’ll want it nice and hot so our casserole gets that beautiful golden crust. While the oven is heating, grab a large skillet and pour in a tablespoon of olive oil. Set the heat to medium and once the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until fragrant, which should take about two to three minutes.

Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Once it’s cooked through, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, then turn off the heat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey mixture with the chopped cabbage, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Transfer this mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top for that extra crunch.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden top. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Combines nutritious ingredients with irresistible flavors.
  • Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
  • The perfect comfort food without being heavy or greasy.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 lb ground turkey
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
4. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey mixture with cabbage, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

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