Here’s your full breakdown for a cozy, savory, and comforting **Cabbage Casserole** — a timeless, budget-friendly dish that transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying.
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### **Introduction**
Cabbage Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—humble, hearty, and loaded with savory flavor. This dish combines layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, rice or pasta, and creamy or cheesy components, all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings due to its ease, versatility, and satisfying nature.
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### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Cabbage Casserole has roots in many traditional cuisines that make use of cabbage as a staple vegetable, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Dishes like **stuffed cabbage rolls (golabki, sarma, or holubtsi)** inspired this simplified casserole version, offering all the same flavors with less prep. Over time, especially in the U.S., the casserole form became popular during the mid-20th century, aligning with the boom in one-dish meals and oven-baked comfort food.
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### **Ingredients Quantity**
*Serves 6–8*
– 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, sausage, or plant-based alternative)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice (or 1.5 cups cooked pasta)
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
– 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
– 1/2 cup sour cream or cream of mushroom soup (optional, for creamier version)
– Olive oil for sautéing
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Chopped bell peppers** – for added sweetness and color
– **Red pepper flakes** – for a spicy kick
– **Shredded carrots** – for added veggies and color
– **Breadcrumb topping** – for crunch
– **Bacon crumbles** – for smoky depth
– **Mushrooms** – for umami richness
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Par-cook cabbage** to reduce water content and shorten bake time.
– **Drain excess fat** from the meat after browning to avoid greasy texture.
– **Use pre-cooked rice or pasta** to prevent sogginess.
– **Layer like a lasagna** for more structure, or mix for a rustic style.
– **Let it rest** after baking—flavors meld and slicing becomes easier.
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### **Instructions**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped cabbage with a pinch of salt until slightly softened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook ground meat with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large baking dish, layer half the cabbage, then the meat mixture, then remaining cabbage.
6. Top with shredded cheese and dollops of sour cream (if using).
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
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### **Description**
This casserole delivers layers of flavor: slightly sweet cabbage, savory meat and tomato sauce, and creamy, melty cheese. The textures range from tender to gooey to crispy depending on how long it’s baked. It’s comforting, old-fashioned, and totally satisfying—like a hug in casserole form.
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### **Nutritional Information** *(per serving, approx.)*
– Calories: ~320
– Protein: ~20g
– Carbohydrates: ~18g
– Fat: ~20g
– Fiber: ~4g
– Sugar: ~5g
*(Nutrition varies based on ingredients and cheese/fat content used.)*
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### **Conclusion**
Cabbage Casserole is a simple yet flavorful dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients for a great meal. It’s endlessly customizable, freezer-friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
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### **Recommendation**
Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a light cucumber salad for a balanced plate. It also reheats well, making it an excellent leftover lunch or freezer meal. Add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on top if you’re feeling fancy.
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### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
This dish can be both comforting and nutritious. Opt for lean meats, brown rice, and reduced-fat cheese, or even go meatless with lentils or plant-based crumbles. Cabbage itself is low-calorie, high-fiber, and packed with vitamins—making this dish a hearty yet wholesome way to indulge.
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