Description
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients:
1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
500g ground beef or lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cups cooked rice
3 cups tomato sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a skillet, sauté the onion until softened
.
Add the ground beef, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned
.
Stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of tomato sauce, then remove from heat
.
2. Prepare the Cabbage:
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the shredded cabbage for 5 minutes, then drain well
.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
.
In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the cabbage, followed by the beef mixture, and top with the remaining cabbage.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top and spread evenly.
4. Bake:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes
.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm
.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof casserole. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped: shred the cabbage, cook the rice, and finely chop the onion. In your skillet, sauté the onion in a little oil over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Off the heat, stir in the cooked rice and one cup of tomato sauce. For the cabbage, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shredded cabbage and blanch for exactly 5 minutes to soften it slightly. Drain thoroughly in a colander, pressing out excess water with the back of a spoon to prevent a soggy casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For a classic comfort food plate, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A light, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the richness. For a low-carb option, consider serving it over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside roasted green beans.
How-to Summary
To summarize, this dish transforms traditional stuffed cabbage into an easy layered bake. The process involves browning seasoned ground beef with onions, mixing it with rice and some sauce, and layering it with blanched cabbage. The entire assembly is topped with more tomato sauce and cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the casserole completely (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes. Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat substitute work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your tomato sauce and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, for up to 3 months. Assemble but do not bake. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results. First, do not skip blanching the cabbage, as this step removes excess water and prevents a watery casserole. Second, ensure you drain the cooked beef well to avoid a greasy final dish. Third, do not under-season the beef mixture, as it provides the primary flavor for the entire bake. Finally, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving; this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole delivers all the beloved flavors of the traditional dish with a fraction of the work. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll create a deliciously satisfying bake that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the simplicity and taste of this classic, reimagined.