Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole offers all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy, deconstructed baked dish. Tender chopped cabbage is combined with a savory mixture of ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, topped with melted cheese for a comforting and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, lean preferred
Tomato Base
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sugar tomato sauce
Seasoning
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese, your preferred variety
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the green cabbage and the onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and texture in the casserole.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent, usually about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, around 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly over medium heat, breaking up the meat into small chunks with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Combine tomatoes, sauce, herbs, and cabbage: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the canned diced tomatoes, low-sugar tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Gently fold in the chopped cabbage so that it is evenly incorporated without becoming mushy.
- Assemble and bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly and the casserole to set.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey as a lower-fat alternative to ground beef.
- Feel free to substitute cheese with a dairy-free alternative for lactose intolerance.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when sautéing onions and garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer softer cabbage, you can steam it lightly before mixing.
