If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying, and wholesome homemade meal, this Baked Minced Meat and Cabbage Loaf with Roasted Potatoes and Tomato Glaze is just what you need. Combining juicy ground meat, soft vegetables, and an irresistible sweet-savory glaze, this oven-baked dish offers comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep — showcasing bold flavor, texture, and balance all in one plate.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes for meatloaf + 15 minutes for potatoes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
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700g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
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2 eggs
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3 slices of white bread
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50ml milk
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1 onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 carrot, grated
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1 small cabbage, shredded
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1 tbsp salt
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Black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley (chopped)
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Fresh cilantro (chopped)
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1–2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 tbsp butter
For the Glazed Roasted Potatoes:
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4–5 medium potatoes, cubed
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1 onion, sliced
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp paprika
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Butter
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Soften the Bread: Soak 3 slices of white bread in 50ml of milk. Let it sit while preparing the other ingredients.
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Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the carrot. Chop the cabbage into small, even strips. Also, chop parsley and cilantro finely.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, heat a mix of vegetable oil and butter. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and carrot, cooking for about 3–5 minutes until softened.
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Wilt the Cabbage: Add shredded cabbage to the pan and cook until slightly tender and reduced in volume (about 5–7 minutes). Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
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Make the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine minced meat, soaked bread (squeezed of excess milk), 2 eggs, chopped parsley, cilantro, sautéed vegetables, 1 tablespoon of salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well with your hands until fully incorporated.
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Shape the Loaf: Grease a baking dish with a bit of oil or butter. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape or spread it evenly in a casserole dish.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (360°F). Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (160°F).
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Prepare Potatoes: While the meatloaf bakes, peel and cube potatoes. Toss with sliced onion, salt, black pepper, and oil. Spread onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
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Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix tomato paste, honey, soy sauce, and paprika. Stir until smooth.
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Glaze and Bake Again: After the meatloaf has baked for 40 minutes, brush it with the tomato glaze. Also, add the prepared potatoes to the oven. Bake both for another 10–15 minutes at 180°C (360°F).
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Serve: Garnish potatoes with chopped green onions. Serve slices of juicy meatloaf with roasted potatoes and extra glaze if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per serving – approximate)
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Calories: 480–520
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Protein: 32g
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Fat: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fiber: 4g
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Rich in vitamin A, iron, potassium, vitamin K, and B-complex vitamins
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish is a modern evolution of the traditional meatloaf — a beloved comfort food found in many cuisines, from American to Russian to Eastern European. What makes this version unique is the use of cabbage inside the loaf, which adds both volume and nutrients while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Paired with golden potatoes and a tomato-honey glaze, this is a dish that evokes nostalgic home-cooked meals, yet feels contemporary and fresh.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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All-in-one meal: Protein, vegetables, and carbs — everything baked together.
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Moist and flavorful: Cabbage and bread keep the meat tender and juicy.
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Rich yet balanced: The honey glaze adds a sweet finish without overpowering.
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Great for leftovers: It tastes even better the next day.
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Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Health Benefits
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Minced meat is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12, essential for energy and muscle repair.
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Cabbage supports digestion and detoxification, and is high in vitamin C and K.
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Carrots and onions boost immunity and eye health.
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Garlic and herbs are anti-inflammatory and support heart health.
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Potatoes are a source of potassium, fiber, and complex carbs.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side salad (green or cucumber-dill) for freshness.
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Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top.
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Pair with warm bread or garlic toast for dipping.
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Slice thin and serve in sandwiches the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing the meat: This can make the texture dense and tough. Mix gently.
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Skipping the sauté: Raw veggies may release water and affect texture; sautéing prevents that.
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Using too lean meat: Choose a balance of lean and fat (80/20) for juiciness.
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Not letting it rest: Allow the loaf to sit for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
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Overcooking potatoes: Cut evenly and check for doneness in the last 5 minutes.
Pairing Recommendations
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Drink: A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a cold kombucha.
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Soup starter: A warm lentil or tomato soup makes a nice prelude.
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Salad: Try coleslaw, beetroot salad, or arugula with balsamic.
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Dessert: A light fruit compote or yogurt parfait balances the richness.
Cooking Tips
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Add a bit of grated cheese into the meat mixture for added richness.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the loaf is cooked through (70°C/160°F inside).
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Mix beef with pork or turkey for a different flavor.
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Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini for moisture and extra veggies.
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Toast the bread slices slightly before soaking for a firmer texture.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Classic Italian Meatloaf with Marinara
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Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Beef and Rice
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Oven-Baked Turkey Meatballs
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Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potato Topping
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Swedish Meatloaf with Creamy Dill Sauce
Variations to Try
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Spicy version: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
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Cheesy version: Stuff the center with mozzarella or cheddar.
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Low-carb: Replace bread with almond flour and potatoes with roasted cauliflower.
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Vegan version: Use lentils, chickpeas, and mashed potatoes to form a plant-based loaf.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cabbage
Cabbage is often underrated but is a nutritional powerhouse. Low in calories and rich in fiber, it supports digestion, lowers inflammation, and provides antioxidants like sulforaphane. It’s also high in vitamin C and K, essential for immunity and bone health. In this recipe, it adds bulk, moisture, and subtle sweetness to the meatloaf, making it a standout ingredient.
Conclusion Paragraph
This Baked Minced Meat and Cabbage Loaf with Roasted Potatoes and Tomato Glaze is the ultimate comfort food made healthier. Packed with flavor, nutrients, and texture, it’s an all-in-one meal that brings families together at the table. From the tender meat to the caramelized glaze and crispy potatoes, each bite offers a delicious experience. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adapt to your dietary needs. Try it once, and it may just become a regular part of your meal rotation!
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground pork, turkey, chicken, or a blend of meats based on your preference.
2. What can I substitute for bread?
Use crushed crackers, cooked rice, oats, or almond flour for different textures and dietary needs.
3. Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
Yes, sautéing releases excess moisture and enhances flavor before baking.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Can I freeze it?
Yes. Bake first, then cool and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
6. How do I know the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer — the center should read 70°C (160°F). The top should be browned and firm.
7. Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze adds sweet-savory depth, but you can skip it or use a ketchup-based one instead.
8. What if my potatoes aren’t crispy?
Ensure the oven is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the pan. Flip halfway through baking.
9. Can I add cheese inside the loaf?
Yes, a cheese-stuffed center or grated cheese in the mix adds richness and moisture.
10. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers make great sandwiches, wraps, or breakfast hash with eggs.