Cabbage Casserole Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Cabbage casserole is a delightful comfort food that perfectly blends wholesome ingredients into a cozy, satisfying dish. For vegetarians, it serves as a hearty option that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or impress friends with a simple yet delicious meal, cabbage casseroles offer versatility and ease in the kitchen. This blog post dives into several vegetarian cabbage casserole recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with vibrant veggies and savory seasonings.

You’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and nutrition facts to fuel your healthy lifestyle.

From creamy sauces to baked golden crusts, these casseroles showcase cabbage in ways that make it the star ingredient. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ready to explore some mouthwatering vegetarian cabbage casserole recipes? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian cabbage casseroles are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, vegetable-packed meal that feels indulgent without any meat. Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

These casseroles combine cabbage with complementary vegetables, cheese, and spices to create layers of texture and flavor. They also require minimal prep time and can be customized to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan (with slight modifications), or just looking to add more greens to your diet, these recipes are adaptable, hearty, and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup carrots, grated
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes or 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or vegan cheese alternative)
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use vegan yogurt for dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet for sautéing vegetables
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch casserole dish or similar baking dish
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
• Oven mitts
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves and core, then shred finely using a knife or food processor. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms and carrots: Toss in sliced mushrooms and grated carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and any released moisture evaporates.
5. Incorporate the cabbage: Add shredded cabbage to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender and slightly wilted.
6. Mix the casserole base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, cooked rice or quinoa, diced tomatoes, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir well to combine.
7. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.”

Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more color and flavor. You can also swap the rice for barley or farro for a nuttier texture.

If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the veggie mix before baking.

To make the casserole more protein-rich, consider stirring in cooked lentils or chickpeas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette for a bright contrast. Consider serving alongside crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the savory juices.

For a more filling meal, add a side of roasted sweet potatoes or steamed green beans. This dish also works well as leftovers—simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

If you enjoy dips, check out our Halibut Dip Recipe for a tasty appetizer that complements the casserole’s flavors.

Delicious Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole Recipes to Try

Classic Creamy Cabbage and Rice Casserole

• Ingredients: cabbage, rice, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onions, garlic, carrots, mushrooms
• Flavor profile: creamy, cheesy with a slight smoky paprika undertone
• Preparation: Follow the main instructions above for a classic and comforting dish.

Spicy Mexican Cabbage Casserole

• Ingredients: cabbage, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, jalapeños, cumin, smoked paprika, vegan cheese
• Flavor profile: smoky, spicy, and vibrant with a southwestern flair
• Tip: Add avocado slices and fresh cilantro on top after baking for freshness.

Mediterranean Cabbage and Chickpea Bake

• Ingredients: cabbage, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese (or vegan alternative), oregano, lemon zest
• Flavor profile: tangy, savory, and herbaceous with bright citrus notes
• Tip: Serve with warm pita bread and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Vegan Mushroom and Cabbage Gratin

• Ingredients: cabbage, cremini mushrooms, garlic, almond milk béchamel sauce, nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs
• Flavor profile: rich, creamy, and umami-packed without any dairy
• Tip: Toast the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil before sprinkling for extra crunch.

Conclusion

Vegetarian cabbage casseroles are a wonderful addition to your recipe collection, offering a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy this underrated vegetable. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients according to your preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy bake or a zesty, spice-forward dish, cabbage casseroles provide comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Plus, they are perfect for batch cooking, making meal planning easier and healthier.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to keep this dish fresh and exciting.

For more recipe inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or cozy up with a sweet treat like the Kentucky Bourbon Carrot Cake Recipe. Happy cooking!

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