Description
If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious dish, look no further than this Easy Cabbage Casserole. Cabbage is an often-underrated vegetable, but it shines brilliantly in this casserole, lending a hearty and comforting touch to each bite. This dish is a delightful blend of cabbage, tender ground meat, a creamy sauce, and just the right amount of cheese for a melty, golden top. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and offers a satisfying way to enjoy your vegetables. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a family favorite that everyone can enjoy. Get ready to serve up this flavorful, nutritious dish that will warm your heart and fill your home with a savory aroma!
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Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (optional for a vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Rinse and chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces. Steam or parboil the cabbage in salted water for about 5 minutes to soften it slightly. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the minced garlic and grated carrot, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (optional), allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- In the greased baking dish, spread half of the cabbage on the bottom.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the cabbage layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of the meat mixture.
- Place the remaining cabbage over the meat and sauce, then pour the creamy sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a comforting, hearty main dish!
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 45mins