Cabbage casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners. Here’s a simple recipe to make this satisfying meal:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 lbs/900 g), chopped
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (200 g) cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce and Seasoning:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Prepare the Casserole Layers:
- Spread half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer half of the meat sauce over the cabbage.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked rice on top (if using).
- Repeat with the remaining cabbage, meat sauce, and rice.
5. Cover and Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips:
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with a plant-based alternative or cooked lentils.
- Cabbage Prep: For easier chopping, remove the core and slice into manageable sections.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
This cabbage casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender cabbage, savory meat, and flavorful sauce in every bite!