Cabbage Casserole

This Cabbage Casserole transforms humble cabbage, tender turkey, and savory cheese into a delectable casserole that promises pure culinary satisfaction in every bite. Get ready to relish on delicious stuffed cabbage rolls without the extra work of rolling.

Savory Cabbage Casserole Recipe – A Comforting Dinner Delight

Looking for a comforting and hearty dinner option that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying? This Savory Cabbage Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a cabbage enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this dish is easy to make and sure to please.

Incorporate this lazy cabbage casserole into your meal rotation for a delightful dinner option that’s both flavorful and nutritious. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the wonderful versatility of stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling while still indulging in a comforting meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Our unstuffed cabbage roll recipe includes a medley of gluten-free and low carb ingredients that come together to create a harmonious flavor profile:

• Cabbage: This leafy green cabbage variety adds a unique texture and taste to the casserole, making it both nutritious and delicious. You can use savoy cabbage or green cabbage.
• Cauliflower Rice: The cauliflower rice offers a low-carb and keto alternative for a comforting element to the dish. However, feel free to use cooked rice of choice if you want a more hearty dish.
• Cooked Chicken or Turkey Breast: Shredded poultry adds a protein-rich component to the casserole, making it a satisfying meal. Omit or sub with your favorite vegan protein if you need a plant-based option.
• Red Bell Pepper: The sweet and vibrant red bell pepper complements the other flavors and adds a pop of color to the dish.
• Cheese Sauce: Cheese sauce brings a creamy and cheesy goodness that ties everything together. We like Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Cheddar Cheez or Plant Worthy Plant-Based Cheese Sauce. Feel free to use your favorite brand or our homemade cheese sauce listed below.
• Tomato Paste: A touch of tomato paste enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of tomatoey richness.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds a fresh, herbaceous note but also brightens up the dish.
• Dairy-Free Cheddar-Style Cheese: For those with dairy allergies or preferences, use dairy-free cheddar-style cheese or dairy-free mozarella-style cheese. However, you can also opt for regular cheese if you prefer.

For the optional Homemade Cheese Sauce:

• Raw Cashews: Soaked and blended cashews create a rich and creamy consistency, mimicking the creaminess of traditional cheese sauces. They also add a subtle nutty flavor and help thicken the sauce.
• Nutritional Yeast: A key ingredient for achieving a cheesy flavor in dairy-free cheese sauce. It’s often described as having a slightly nutty or cheesy taste and provides the sauce with a savory umami quality.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright and tangy element to the sauce. It not only enhances the flavor but also balances the richness of the cashews and nutritional yeast.
• Garlic: Added for extra flavor. It imparts a mild, savory taste that complements the cheesy notes.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce. It brings out the natural flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the cheesy taste.
• Paprika (Optional): Provides a subtle smoky flavor and a touch of color to the sauce. It’s an optional ingredient for those who enjoy a hint of smokiness in their cheese sauce.
• Turmeric (Optional): Added for a vibrant yellow color, mimicking the appearance of traditional cheese sauce. It doesn’t significantly affect the taste but enhances the visual appeal.

Instructions: How to make Cabbage Casserole

Now, let’s dive into the preparation steps for this delectable cheesy cabbage casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a large 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Cabbage: Divide the head of savoy cabbage into layers and blanch them in boiling water until tender. Drain well and then roughly chop the cabbage.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the blanched cabbage, cooked chicken or turkey, diced red bell pepper, and chopped parsley. Add the cheese sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper, and toss everything together until well combined. Finally, fold in the cauliflower rice or cooked rice.

4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution. Sprinkle the top with cheese, and then bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Your casserole is ready when the cabbage is soft and tender, and the cheese has melted to perfection.

5. Garnish and Serve: For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle your finished casserole with additional chopped parsley, if desired. Slice it into portions and serve it hot.

How to make Vegan Cheese Sauce:

Follow these instructions if you opt for our homemade sauce route:

• Soak the Cashews:
  • Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for the creamiest result. If you’re short on time, you can quick-soak them by pouring boiling water over the cashews and letting them sit for 15 minutes. Drain the cashews after soaking.
• Blend Ingredients:
  • In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic (if using), salt, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat).
• Blend Until Smooth:
  • Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender and blend again to ensure a uniform consistency.
• Adjust Seasoning:
  • Taste the dairy-free cheese sauce and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or other seasonings to your liking. You can also add more plant-based milk if you prefer a thinner sauce.
• Heat the Sauce (Optional):
  • If you want a warm cheese sauce, transfer it to a saucepan and gently heat it over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until it’s warmed through. Be careful not to boil it, as it can become too thick.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  • Use your dairy-free cheese sauce as a dip, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, pasta, nachos, or use it in any recipe that calls for cheese sauce.

Tips for Success for the best Cabbage Casserole:

• Tender Cabbage: Ensure the cabbage is tender after blanching to avoid a crunchy texture in your casserole.
• Cheese: Experiment with different cheese varieties to find your favorite combination.
• Protein: Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey for a quick and convenient meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy your Turkey Cabbage Casserole as a standalone meal or pair it with a simple green salad, vegan caesar salad, steamed or air fryer roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
• Serve it at family gatherings or potlucks for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Vegetables: Customize this chicken cabbage casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.
• Cheese: Replace dairy-free cheddar-style cheese with regular cheese if you don’t have dietary restrictions.
• Spice: For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Protein: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey or vegan protein of choice.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze, portion the casserole into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh red bell pepper?

• Yes, you can use frozen red bell pepper if you prefer the convenience. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions.

3. What are some additional seasoning options for this dish?

• Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning can add extra flavor to the casserole.

4. Can I use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving in this recipe?

• Absolutely! Using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving is a great way to repurpose your holiday leftovers and create a delicious meal.

5. How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

• To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken or turkey. For a vegan version, use plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh instead of meat.

6. Can I use store-bought cheese sauce instead of making it from scratch?

• Yes, you can use store-bought cheese sauce if you’re looking for a quicker option. Just be sure to choose one that suits your taste and dietary preferences.

More comforting casserole recipes you will love:

• Broccoli Casserole
• Low Carb Green Bean Casserole

5 from 1 vote

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Cabbage Casserole

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

45 mins

Total Time

1 hr 5 mins

 

This Cabbage Casserole transforms humble cabbage, tender turkey, and savory cheese into a delectable casserole that promises pure culinary satisfaction in every bite. Get ready to relish on delicious stuffed cabbage rolls without the extra work of rolling.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cabbage casserole, casserole for dinner, easy weeknight meal, turkey dinner

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 196 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 1 head savoy or green cabbage , roughly chopped into 1/2 - 1" pieces
• 1-1/2 cups riced cauliflower , you can also sub with cooked rice of choice if you're not grain-free
• 1 pound cooked chicken or turkey breast , coarsely shredded
• 1 red bell pepper , cored, seeded, diced
• 2 cup prepared creamy cheese sauce of choice , we like Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Cheddar Cheez or Plant Worthy Plant-Based Cheese Sauce. Feel free to use your favorite brand or our homemade cheese sauce below.
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp parsley chopped
• 3/4 cup shredded / grated dairy-free (or regular) cheddar-style cheese , you can also use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella-style cheese if preferred

Optional Homemade Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup raw cashews , (soaked for 4 hours or overnight, or quick-soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt , or more to taste
• 1/4 tsp paprika , (optional, for a smokey note)
• 1/8 tsp turmeric , (optional, for color)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly coat a large 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. Divide the cabbage into layers and blanch them in boiling water until tender. Drain well and chop them roughly.

3. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, turkey/chicken, bell peppers, and parsley together. Pour the cheese sauce tomato paste, salt and pepper and toss to combine. Fold in the cauliflower rice or cooked rice.

4. Pour the mixture into prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 40 - 45 minutes until cabbage is soft and tender and cheese has melted.

   Sprinkle with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Optional Homemade Cheese Sauce

1. Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight for the creamiest result. If you're short on time, you can quick-soak them by pouring boiling water over the cashews and letting them sit for 15 minutes.

   Drain the cashews after soaking.In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic (if using), salt, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat).

   Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender and blend again to ensure a uniform consistency.

   Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or other seasonings to your liking. You can also add more plant-based milk if you prefer a thinner sauce. If you want a warm cheese sauce, transfer it to a saucepan and gently heat it over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until it's warmed through.

   Be careful not to boil it, as it can become too thick.

   Use your dairy-free cheese sauce as a dip, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, pasta, nachos, or use it in any recipe that calls for cheese sauce.

Recipe Notes

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To freeze, portion the casserole into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Cabbage Casserole

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/6 recipe))

Calories 196 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 7g14%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.