Layered Cabbage Casserole
Layered Cabbage Casserole offers a comforting blend of tender cabbage, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with colorful peppers. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, its savory flavors and hearty texture make it a satisfying vegetarian main or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/5 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sweet red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/5 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the cabbage into small wedges and cook in boiling salted water until tender.
- Drain the cooked cabbage wedges and place them in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper into the melted butter.
- Gradually add evaporated milk, cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cabbage wedges in the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating cooked ground beef or turkey between the layers of cabbage. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella for a different taste. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can speed up the preparation process. This dish is a great way to use up leftover cabbage from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Layered Cabbage Casserole pairs beautifully with a light green salad or crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or pork. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving for extra flavor. It's a delightful dish that complements many sides and is perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Cabbage Casserole contains roughly 396 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1321mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
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 use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but it's best to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Fresh cabbage yields a better texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative if you have it on hand.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Certainly! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or by using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the cabbage.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
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).