Cabbage and Meatball Casserole

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Cabbage and Meatball Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that combines tender meatballs with savory cabbage, carrots, and a rich tomato and sour cream sauce. This dish is perfect for those looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at a family gathering. The combination of flavors and textures from the meatballs and vegetables, along with the creamy sauce, makes this casserole a satisfying and wholesome option for dinner. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while enjoying the savory taste of well-seasoned meatballs.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Carrot: 1, grated
  • Cabbage: 1/2 medium, chopped
  • Minced Meat: 600 g (beef, pork, or a mix)
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Coriander: To taste
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying

For the Sauce:

  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Carrot: 1, grated
  • Tomatoes: 2, grated
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black Pepper: To taste
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon
  • Sour Cream: 6 tablespoons
  • Vegetable Oil: For frying

To Assemble:

  • Vegetable Oil: For greasing
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Making It Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In a large skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
    • Add 1 grated carrot and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
    • Add the chopped cabbage and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
  2. Combine the Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with 600 g of minced meat. Mix well to combine.
    • Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, coriander, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Use your hands to ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Form the Meatballs:
    • Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking, and shape the meat mixture into medium-sized meatballs. You should get around 12-15 meatballs depending on the size.
  4. Fry the Meatballs:
    • Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and fry them until they are browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • In a clean skillet, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden.
    • Add 1 grated carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the carrot is tender.
  2. Add the Tomatoes:
    • Add 2 grated tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Season and Finish:
    • Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
    • Stir in 6 tablespoons of sour cream and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
    • Grease a large baking dish with vegetable oil. Arrange the browned meatballs in the dish.
  3. Add the Sauce:
    • Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is well coated with the sauce.
  4. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
  5. Garnish:
    • Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve the Cabbage and Meatball Casserole hot with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Tips

  1. Choose the Right Meat:
    • For the best flavor, use a mixture of beef and pork. The fat content in pork helps keep the meatballs moist and juicy.
  2. Grate the Vegetables:
    • Grating the carrot and cabbage ensures they cook evenly and integrate well with the minced meat, enhancing the texture of the meatballs.
  3. Use Fresh Herbs:
    • Fresh parsley and dill not only add flavor but also brighten up the dish with their vibrant color.
  4. Make It Ahead:
    • The meatballs can be formed and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or pork. However, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. If using lean meats, consider adding a bit of oil or additional vegetables like grated zucchini to keep the meatballs moist.

2. Can I skip the frying step for the meatballs?

Yes, you can skip frying and bake the meatballs directly in the oven. Place them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the sauce in the casserole dish.

3. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the minced meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

4. What can I use instead of sour cream in the sauce?

You can use Greek yogurt or heavy cream as an alternative to sour cream. Both will provide a creamy texture to the sauce.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes to the dish. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces so they cook evenly with the meatballs.

Conclusion

Cabbage and Meatball Casserole is a delicious and hearty meal that brings together the flavors of well-seasoned meatballs, tender cabbage, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option that can be enjoyed over several days. The combination of protein, vegetables, and rich flavors makes this casserole a satisfying and nourishing choice for any occasion. Enjoy the comforting taste of this classic dish with your loved ones!

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