Creamy German Cabbage and Meat Bake
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy German Cabbage and Meat Bake. A delightful combination of tender cabbage and your choice of meat, seasoned with fragrant garlic and sweet onions, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it's also topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs for added texture and presentation. Whether using ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken, the flavors meld beautifully to create a casserole that even cabbage skeptics will enjoy. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meat with soaked bulgur for a nourishing alternative. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bulgur
1 cup (soaked in vegetable broth or optional for replacing meat)
Ground chicken or other meat
1 lb (browned with onion and garlic)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced (more if desired))
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
Cabbage
1 medium (chopped)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (unseasoned)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2
If using meat, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Be sure to crumble the meat as it cooks.
3
Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet and discard it.
4
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has softened and is translucent.
5
Reduce the heat to low, add in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring well until everything is combined and the cheese is melted.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and evenly top with unseasoned breadcrumbs.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy German Cabbage and Meat Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food casserole featuring tender cabbage and meat seasoned with garlic and onions in a rich cheddar cheese sauce.
What types of meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken depending on your preference.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the meat with one cup of bulgur soaked in vegetable broth.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the meat and onions?
Brown the ground meat with chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet until the meat is no longer pink and onions are translucent.
Should I drain the grease from the meat?
Yes, once the meat is cooked, drain and discard any excess grease from the skillet.
How long does the cabbage need to cook on the stove?
Cook the cabbage with the meat mixture in a covered skillet for about 10-15 minutes until softened.
What kind of cheese is used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for two cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
When do I add the sour cream?
Add the sour cream and shredded cheese to the skillet after the cabbage has softened, stirring over low heat until melted.
What size cabbage is needed?
One medium cabbage, chopped, is used for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease a large casserole dish before transferring the mixture into it.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
The casserole is topped with 1/2 cup of unseasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to help the sauce set.
Can I add more garlic to the recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests one clove but mentions you can add more if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty bake is excellent for meal prep as it reheats well.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with fresh garlic, onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs instead?
While the recipe calls for unseasoned, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What type of onion should I use?
One medium white or yellow onion, chopped, works best.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
You could potentially use Greek yogurt, though it may result in a tangier flavor.
Do I need to cook the bulgur if using the vegetarian option?
The bulgur should be soaked in vegetable broth before being added as a meat replacement.
What is the texture of the cabbage after baking?
The cabbage becomes tender and translucent, melding perfectly with the cheese sauce.
Can I use red cabbage?
Green cabbage is traditional for this bake, but red cabbage can be used, though it will change the color of the sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy cheese sauce and mild flavors make it a hit with families.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including seasonings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you could add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
Is this recipe considered German cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized as a German-style cabbage bake.