Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering experience? Prepare to be amazed by Brenda Gantt's legendary Cabbage Casserole - a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and comfort your soul! This hearty, cheesy creation combines the rustic charm of ground beef, the subtle sweetness of cabbage, and a perfect blend of seasonings that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a home cook looking for a crowd-pleasing meal or a comfort food enthusiast, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner solution!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.
- Begin by preparing the cabbage. Remove any damaged outer leaves and chop the medium cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring it's evenly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, mixing it well with the beef and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly.
- Add the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the casserole from drying out during cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the flavors from the other ingredients.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers to set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the cabbage casserole warm, and enjoy this hearty dish that serves
- It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
Tips
- Chop your cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to prevent excess grease while maintaining flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to break up the ground beef into small, even crumbles for better distribution.
- Don't skip letting the casserole rest after baking - this helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- For a low-carb version, substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
