Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready when it’s time to bake your casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Break the beef up using a wooden spoon or spatula and cook it until fully browned—this takes about 6–8 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Add and Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time to stir in the chopped cabbage. Continue to cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage softens slightly and begins to shrink. This helps release moisture and ensures the cabbage blends well into the casserole.

Step 5: Cream It Up
Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine. Add paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the creamy beef and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that perfect mix of beef, cabbage, and sauce.

Step 7: Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese followed by ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheddar melts beautifully and gives that classic gooey casserole texture, while the Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the aroma will be irresistible.

Step 9: Cool & Serve
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. This rest period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to fully develop.