One Pan Old-Fashioned Amish Cabbage Casserole
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This One Pan Old-Fashioned Amish Cabbage Casserole is what I like to call comfort food that doesn’t require an entire sink full of dishes. It’s got savory ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet onion, and a rich tomato sauce that ties it all together. It’s hearty, simple, and wildly satisfying for something that comes together in under an hour.
Think of it as the cozy cousin of stuffed cabbage rolls, but without the endless rolling or baking. Just toss everything into a large skillet, stir a few times, and let it bubble away until it’s tender and saucy. The flavors are straight out of an Amish kitchen. It’s old-fashioned, homestyle, and filling enough to keep everyone at the table quiet for a few minutes!
Serve it as-is, or with a side of rice or buttered crackers. Either way, this is a one-pan recipe that belongs in your weeknight rotation.
Why You’ll Love One Pan Old-Fashioned Amish Cabbage Casserole
- One-pan recipe – No casserole dish, no oven, no problem. Everything cooks right in the skillet.
- Classic Amish flavor – Simple ingredients, rich sauce, and hearty cabbage for that old-fashioned comfort.
- Budget-friendly meal – A whole head of cabbage stretches one pound of beef into a family-sized dinner.
- Perfect for leftovers – Like most casseroles, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- Quick and cozy – Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is the definition of easy comfort food.
Ingredients Needed To Make One Pan Old-Fashioned Amish Cabbage Casserole
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Crushed tomatoes
- Oregano
- Green cabbage
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic powder
Variations, Tips, and Substitutions
- Add rice – Stir in a cup of cooked rice for a cabbage roll-style version that’s extra filling.
- Cheesy twist – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top and let it melt before serving.
- Bacon upgrade – Add crispy chopped bacon at the end for smoky depth and a little crunch.
- Swap the sauce – Replace half the crushed tomatoes with condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a creamy casserole version.
- Crispy topping option – For oven lovers, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with buttered cracker crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbling.
How To Make One Pan Old-Fashioned Amish Cabbage Casserole
- Brown the beef: In a large deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s just starting to brown.
- Add onion and butter: Stir in diced onion and butter. Keep cooking until the onion turns soft and translucent.
- Season and stir: Add oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed tomatoes. Mix well to combine into a thick sauce.
- Add the cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage, stirring until every piece is coated in that savory tomato mixture.
- Simmer until tender: Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the cabbage softens.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat, let it rest for about 10 minutes, then serve warm.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole in the oven instead of the skillet?
Yes! After simmering, pour the cabbage mixture into a greased casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30–40 minutes.
What can I serve with this dish?
It’s delicious with rice, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken works fine, just add a little extra butter or oil for flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
One Pan Old-Fashioned Amish Cabbage Casserole
Equipment
- Large deep skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- sharp knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 head green cabbage cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Place a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until partially browned.
- Add the diced onion and butter. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed tomatoes. Mix well to combine.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the sauce and seasonings.
- Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened and tender.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This Amish cabbage casserole is humble, hearty, and hits that perfect note of nostalgia. I love it on cold nights with a little melted cheese on top and maybe a few buttered crackers. Nothing fancy, just pure, comforting flavor in one pan.