Wow Factor: Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Cabbage casseroles bring hearty warmth to any family dinner table with their rich, melting textures and bold flavors.

Comfort food enthusiasts appreciate this rustic dish for its satisfying blend of simple ingredients that transform humble vegetables into something extraordinary.

Crisp cabbage, when baked with creamy cheese and spices, develops an irresistible golden-brown crust that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Home cooks love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights when everyone craves something filling and delectable.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of softness and subtle crunch, guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Insider Tips for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

• Crisp Cabbage Cuts: Slice wedges identically for consistent cooking and delightful texture throughout the dish.
• Drain Like a Pro: Pat parboiled cabbage completely dry to prevent watery casserole mishaps.
• Sauce Mastery: Create a silky cheese sauce that clings perfectly, testing thickness by coating the spoon smoothly.
• Spice Symphony: Dial up or down jalapeño heat to match your personal flavor adventure.
• Broil for Brilliance: Flash under high heat's final moments to achieve a crackling golden crust that'll wow dinner guests.

Savvy Storage Ideas for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

• Protect Flavor: Seal the casserole in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to lock in moisture and prevent refrigerator odors from seeping into your delicious dish. Wrap the container with plastic wrap for an extra layer of protection, ensuring your cabbage casserole stays fresh and tasty.
• Freeze Smart: Divide the casserole into individual portions before freezing, using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label each container with the date and contents, allowing for easy identification and tracking of your meal prep. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain the casserole's original texture and flavor.
• Reheat Carefully: When ready to enjoy your stored casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

Exciting Variations for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

• Herby Cabbage Delight: Replace pepper Jack cheese with crumbled feta and add fresh chopped dill and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Bacon Lover's Edition: Crisp bacon pieces on top before baking and mix crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce for extra smoky richness.
• Spicy Southern Style: Swap jalapenos with diced green chiles and add cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a kicked-up southern heat level. Sprinkle crushed pork rinds on top for a crunchy texture.
• Vegetarian Wellness Bowl: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, add roasted cauliflower alongside cabbage wedges, and incorporate turmeric and nutritional yeast for a plant-based, nutrient-dense version.

A Satisfying Close for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

Pioneer Woman’s Cabbage Casserole weaves comfort and flavor into a delightful culinary experience.

Kansas ranch kitchens inspire this hearty dish with rich, creamy cheese and tender cabbage.

Spicy jalapeños add unexpected zest to classic comfort cuisine.

Cheese sauces create magical moments around family dinner tables.

Simple ingredients combine for maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Let’s share the recipe, snap a photo, tag friends who crave homestyle goodness, and spread culinary joy through social media connections.

Experience the Homestyle Charm of Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

• Creamy Cheese Comfort: Dive into a luxurious blend of melted processed cheese and pepper Jack that transforms humble cabbage into a rich, indulgent dish bursting with tangy and smooth flavors.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delightful casserole in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Spicy Flavor Kick: The addition of jalapeño rounds adds a zesty punch that elevates the creamy cheese sauce, creating a bold and exciting taste experience that will wake up your taste buds.
• Easy Cooking Method: With simple parboiling and straightforward assembly, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-worthy side dish with minimal cooking expertise.

Must-Have Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable with mild flavor, best when fresh and crisp. Choose a compact, heavy head with tight, unblemished leaves.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Adds a spicy kick to the dish. Select firm, bright green peppers without soft spots.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with greasing the baking dish. Choose unsalted for better control of seasoning.
• Milk: Creates a smooth base for the cheese sauce. Whole milk works best for creaminess.
• Processed Cheese Sauce or Dip: Adds creamy texture and tang. Velveeta or similar brands work well.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Introduces a spicy, melty element to the casserole. Shredded version melts more easily.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
• Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and attractive color garnish.

A Complete Guide to Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-by-9-inch baking dish and grease it generously with of butter, making sure every corner gets some love.

Step 2: Prep the Cabbage

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Slice your cabbage into 4 wedges, carefully removing the tough inner core. Quickly dunk the wedges into the boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes – just enough to soften them slightly. Drain thoroughly and arrange the wedges in your buttered baking dish.

Step 3: Create the Magical Cheese Sauce

• Salt
• Pepper

• Processed cheese sauce
• Pepper Jack cheese

Keep stirring until you’ve got a smooth, creamy sauce that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the cheesy goodness evenly over the cabbage wedges. Scatter jalapeno rounds across the top for a spicy kick and dust with a sprinkle of paprika. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts bubbling with cheesy excitement.

Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman Cabbage Casserole blends hearty Southern comfort with simple, rustic ingredients. Savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a creamy sauce come together in one irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 head green cabbage
• 2 to 15 ounces processed cheese sauce or dip (e.g., Cheez Whiz)
• 1 cup grated pepper Jack cheese
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced into rounds with seeds removed

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) all-purpose flour

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9-by-9-inch (23-by-23-centimeter) baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cleanse the cabbage and remove its tough central core. Slice the vegetable into four equal wedges. Fill a large pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge cabbage wedges for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring a slight softening without complete cooking.
3. Drain the cabbage thoroughly and arrange the wedges neatly in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
4. Craft the cheese sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Introduce flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, preventing any scorching.
5. Gradually incorporate milk into the butter-flour mixture, seasoning with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir consistently until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
6. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in processed cheese sauce and pepper Jack cheese until fully integrated and velvety.
7. Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the cabbage wedges, ensuring complete coverage. Distribute jalapeno rounds across the surface and dust with paprika for added flavor and visual appeal.
8. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the sauce becomes delightfully bubbly.

Notes

• Broil briefly to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
• Pause after baking to let the casserole set, ensuring cleaner and more attractive serving slices.
• Modify jalapeño quantities to match your personal spice tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Create a perfectly smooth cheese sauce by cooking until it smoothly coats a spoon without being too runny or thick.
• Remove excess moisture from parboiled cabbage to prevent a watery final dish.
• Cut cabbage wedges with precision, maintaining uniform sizes for consistent cooking throughout the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 322 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 575 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 49 mg