Savory Cabbage Delight with Ground Beef
This Savory Cabbage Delight with Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful casserole that combines the goodness of fresh cabbage with rich, savory ground beef. Layered with a mix of vegetables and topped with a delightful creamy sauce and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It's not only a filling meal but also a great way to sneak in some veggies, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Serve it hot from the oven and watch it disappear quickly!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1 small (shredded)
Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
1.5 lbs (browned)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
0.5 cup (chopped)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can (undrained)
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Pepper
0.5 teaspoon
Sugar
0.5 teaspoon
Caraway Seed
1 teaspoon
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 oz) can
Reduced-Fat Sour Cream
1 cup
Swiss Cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or spray a deep 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2
Place the shredded cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a bed for the other ingredients.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef (or turkey) along with the chopped onion and red bell pepper until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess fat and return the mixture to the skillet.
4
Add the undrained diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and caraway seeds to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, then spread this flavorful mixture evenly over the cabbage in the baking dish.
5
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and sour cream until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the beef and cabbage layers in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
After 1 hour, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the bake. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Savory Cabbage Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cabbage Delight with Ground Beef?
It is a hearty casserole that layers shredded cabbage with a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture, topped with a creamy tomato-sour cream sauce and melted Swiss cheese.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include a small cabbage, lean ground beef or turkey, onion, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, reduced-fat sour cream, and Swiss cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, the recipe specifically notes that 1.5 lbs of ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish bakes for a total of approximately 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes.
What size baking dish should be used?
A deep 13 x 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
One small head of cabbage should be shredded and placed evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, use one 15 oz can of diced tomatoes undrained to ensure the casserole stays moist.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese to be sprinkled on top during the final stage of baking.
Do I need to cook the meat before putting it in the oven?
Yes, the ground beef or turkey should be browned and crumbled in a skillet with onions and peppers before layering.
What is the purpose of the caraway seeds?
Caraway seeds add a traditional savory flavor that complements the cabbage and beef perfectly.
How is the creamy sauce made?
The sauce is created by whisking together 8 oz of tomato sauce and 1 cup of reduced-fat sour cream.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, lightly grease or spray the baking dish to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal featuring fresh cabbage, lean protein, and reduced-fat dairy components.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely; you could easily add mushrooms, shredded carrots, or extra peppers to the beef mixture.
How long should the dish be covered while baking?
The casserole should be covered with foil for the first hour of baking.
When do I add the Swiss cheese?
Add the cheese after the initial hour of baking, then return the dish to the oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
What should I serve with this cabbage bake?
It pairs well with a light green salad or a side of crusty rye bread.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
If you prefer, you can use mozzarella, mild white cheddar, or Gruyere as a substitute for Swiss cheese.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A half-teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Do I need to pre-cook the cabbage?
No, the cabbage is placed in the dish raw and will soften and cook thoroughly during the baking process.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, while the recipe calls for a large onion, you can use yellow, white, or red onions based on your preference.
How can I tell when the casserole is finished?
The casserole is done when the cabbage is tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can I use full-fat sour cream?
Yes, full-fat sour cream can be used if you prefer a richer, creamier texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your tomato sauce and canned tomatoes.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the mild flavors and melted cheese topping make it a popular choice for families with children.