Cabbage Cheddar Chowder
A hearty and comforting cabbage cheddar chowder blending savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and melted cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 medium head cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced pimento ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, celery, onion, and green pepper in a Dutch oven until vegetables are tender; drain.
- Stir in cabbage and water.
- Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until cabbage is done (about 10 minutes).
- Stir in milk, cheese, flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Garnish with sliced pimentos before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some garlic or thyme while cooking the beef and vegetables. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Also, feel free to use low-fat cheese or non-dairy milk to make this chowder a bit healthier without sacrificing taste. This dish is also versatile; you can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chowder hot, garnished with sliced pimentos for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Barbecued Hamburgers for a delightful family dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the dish's presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chowder thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk to loosen it up while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Cheddar Chowder contains roughly 535 calories, with 14g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this chowder a day ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just reheat it gently before serving. Keep in mind that the chowder may thicken, so add a bit of milk while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute Cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, but these cheeses will melt well and complement the chowder nicely.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this chowder can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a little milk as needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).