Here’s a full, step-by-step recipe for a layered cabbage casserole—hearty, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner. 🥬🍖🧀
Layered Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped or sliced into thin strips
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta (optional, for extra bulk)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with oil or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground meat, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
- Cook until meat is fully browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Prepare Cabbage
- Slice or chop cabbage into thin strips.
- If desired, lightly steam or sauté cabbage for 2–3 minutes to soften—it will cook more in the oven.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Spread a thin layer of meat mixture at the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of cabbage on top.
- If using rice or pasta, sprinkle a layer over cabbage.
- Spoon a little tomato sauce or diced tomatoes evenly.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cabbage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is melted and golden.
Step 6: Serve
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before cutting.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm, either alone or with a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- Add carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Swap ground meat for sausage or ground chicken/turkey.
- For a creamy version, mix a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the layers.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
This layered cabbage casserole is nutritious, filling, and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
If you want, I can also give a low-carb or keto version that swaps rice/pasta for extra veggies while keeping it just as hearty.
Do you want me to do that?
