Easy Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham (Print Version)
Easy Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham is a comforting, budget-friendly meal. Simple ingredients create a rich, satisfying dish perfect for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Base
01 -
1 large head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
02 -
12 oz turkey ham, diced
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rich & Creamy Sauce
06 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
08 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
09 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
12 -
1/2 tsp salt
13 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Golden Topping
14 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 -
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Core and chop 1 large head green cabbage (about 2 lbs). Dice 12 oz turkey ham and 1 medium yellow onion. Mince 3 cloves garlic. Ensure 4 oz cream cheese is softened for easy mixing later.
02 -
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and 12 oz diced turkey ham, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
03 -
Add the chopped 1 large head green cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage has wilted significantly and is tender-crisp. This forms the hearty base for your Easy Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham.
04 -
Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the cooked cabbage mixture, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk. Bring to a simmer, then stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and melted.
05 -
If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the cabbage mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Sprinkle this golden topping evenly over the Easy Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham.
06 -
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the panko topping is golden brown and crisp. This final bake brings all the flavors together for a perfect Easy Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham.
07 -
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making for easier and cleaner portions when dishing out.
# Notes:
01 -
For a vegetarian option, omit the turkey ham and add a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein.
02 -
You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
03 -
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
04 -
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile in your creamy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
9x13 inch baking dish
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Knife
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
07 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 405 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
Protein: 23 g