Looking for a simple, hearty meal that’s both healthy and satisfying? Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole is your answer! Packed with juicy ground turkey, crispy cabbage, savory seasonings, and bubbling cheese, this casserole blends comfort-food flavor with wholesome ingredients. If you’re tired of the same spaghetti or lasagna dishes, this unique twist on traditional casseroles will delight your family and become your new favorite dinner.

Did you know cabbage casseroles have been loved family favorites for generations throughout Europe and America? This classic recipe takes inspiration from grandma’s kitchen and pairs tender ground turkey with lightly sautéed cabbage, onions, flavorful herbs, and gooey melted cheese. It’s similar to our popular Turkey and Broccoli Bake—quick and budget-friendly—but offers an entirely new flavor profile your whole family will adore.

Whether you’re busy on weeknights, short on cooking time, or just looking for something nutritious yet comforting, this recipe checks all the boxes. Ready in under an hour from start to finish, Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole is ideal for meal prep, fuss-free weeknight dinners, or cozy family gatherings. Get ready to indulge in comfort food without the fuss!

What is Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole?

So, what exactly makes this dish the Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole—other than the delightful recipe name? Perhaps it’s the cozy image it conjures up, or maybe it’s because anything labeled “best” immediately grabs our attention! Ever wonder who decided to combine humble cabbage and lean ground turkey into an irresistible casserole? Well, legend has it a clever home-cook once sneaked in veggies this way, reminding us all that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Funny name, big taste, and sneaky veggies—what could be better? Don’t just take my playful word for it, try this Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole yourself and impress everyone at your table tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole:

Deliciously Comforting: At the heart of this Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole is the incredible harmony between lean ground turkey, tender cabbage, savory sauce, and melted cheese. Each forkful delivers flavor, creamy texture, and comforting warmth guaranteed to satisfy. If you loved our popular Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole, you’ll enjoy how this turkey version offers a lighter yet equally cozy alternative.
Easy on Your Budget: Cooking at home saves significant money compared to dining out or ordering takeout. With affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground turkey, onion, and pantry spices, this recipe helps stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing taste!
Flavorful Additions and Toppings: This casserole bursts with flavor from Italian herbs, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese melted to perfection atop your casserole. You can also play around—try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or a crisp breadcrumb topping to enhance textures. Ready to make dinner extra easy without compromising on deliciousness? Let’s start cooking!

How to Make Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole:

Quick Overview:

You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up this delectable Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole. Made from easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients, the entire dish takes less than an hour from chopping to serving. Juicy turkey, soft cabbage leaves, rich tomato herb sauce, topped with bubbly melted cheese makes this simple casserole thoroughly satisfying.

Key Ingredients for Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole (with specific amounts):

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped finely (about 6 cups)
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and chop cabbage. Dice onions and mince garlic. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Turkey
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking meat apart, for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Veggies
Add onion and garlic to skillet, cook another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Cabbage
Toss chopped cabbage into skillet, cooking until softened slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Season Mixture
Stir in canned tomatoes (with juice), Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let simmer gently for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.

Step 6: Assemble Casserole
Lightly grease a casserole dish. Transfer turkey cabbage mixture evenly into dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for approximately 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles slightly. Allow cooling briefly, then serve warm. Enjoy!

What to Serve Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole With:

Get creative with sides that complement your comforting casserole perfectly! Serve richly flavored casserole with simple steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes, whole wheat garlic bread, or freshly baked biscuits. For lighter fare, pair it with fresh green salad, roasted carrots, or crispy roasted broccoli. As beverages, it pairs delightfully with a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc or fruit-infused sparkling water.

Top Tips for Perfecting Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole:

For a richer taste, substitute half the ground turkey with ground pork or ground beef.
To elevate flavor profile, consider fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Don’t overcook cabbage—just gently sauté to retain texture and avoid becoming too soft.
For added crunch and texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or Panko seasoned with herbs over the cheese topping.
Short on time? Prep the ingredients beforehand and store in airtight containers until ready to assemble and bake.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

You can store leftover casserole easily in sealed refrigerator containers for up to 3-4 days. It makes delicious meal prep for quick lunches and dinners throughout the week. If planning ahead longer, freeze portions wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat refrigerated casserole, microwave servings in 1-minute increments until hot or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly again. If frozen, thaw overnight in your fridge before reheating as above.

Now you’re fully prepared and excited to give this delightful, family-friendly Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole a place at your dinner table! Wholesome, comforting, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor—you’ve found the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will adore. Happy cooking!