Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Savory Turkey Ham (Print Version)
Creamy cabbage casserole with savory turkey ham is a comforting, easy dinner. A delicious, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Cabbage & Savory Ham
01 -
2 lbs green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
02 -
12 oz turkey ham, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rich & Velvety Sauce Base
05 -
3 tbsp unsalted butter
06 -
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
08 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
09 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Aromatic Enhancers & Seasonings
12 -
1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
13 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
14 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 -
1/4 tsp dried thyme
16 -
Pinch of ground nutmeg
→ Golden Crumb Topping
17 -
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
18 -
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Core and thinly slice 2 lbs green cabbage. Dice 12 oz turkey ham into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves garlic. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish for your Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham Recipe.
02 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp of the 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced 2 lbs green cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until softened and slightly wilted. Remove cabbage from the pot and set aside.
03 -
Add the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same pot. Sauté the 1 medium yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the 12 oz diced turkey ham and 2 cloves minced garlic, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the ham is lightly browned and fragrant.
04 -
Sprinkle 3 tbsp all-purpose flour into the pot, stirring for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Cook until thickened.
05 -
Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Return the sautéed 2 lbs green cabbage to the pot with the ham and sauce, mixing well to combine everything. Pour this delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
06 -
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham Recipe is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
07 -
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let the Creamy Cabbage Casserole with Turkey Ham Recipe rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set, making for cleaner slices and a more enjoyable texture.
# Notes:
01 -
For a vegetarian option, omit the turkey ham and chicken broth, using vegetable broth instead. You can add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
02 -
Leftovers of this casserole store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 -
To achieve extra crispy breadcrumbs, you can briefly broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
04 -
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
03 -
Large skillet
04 -
Whisk
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 388 kcal
Total Fat: 24 g
Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
Protein: 22 g