Description
Polish comfort classic beef and cabbage casserole blends hearty ingredients from Eastern European kitchens. Savory layers meld tender meat, sweet cabbage, and rich seasonings that welcome diners to a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 3 cups (681 g) cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup (195 g) cooked rice
- 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent ingredient adhesion.
- Meat Foundation: Sizzle ground beef and onions in a skillet, breaking the meat into delicate crumbles until achieving a rich caramel-brown color. Strain excess fat and infuse with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layering Base: Construct the first stratum by spreading half the cabbage across the baking dish, creating an even vegetable carpet. Nestle the seasoned beef mixture uniformly atop the cabbage, establishing a robust protein foundation.
- Grain and Tomato Integration: Disperse cooked rice evenly, then cascade undrained diced tomatoes across the surface, allowing liquid to permeate and enhance overall moisture.
- Vegetable Culmination: Crown the casserole with remaining cabbage, completely concealing underlying ingredients. Delicately cascade beef broth over the entire composition to promote steaming and ingredient tenderness.
- Initial Baking Phase: Encase the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, ensuring ingredients meld and develop complex flavors.
- Cheese Finalization: Unveil the casserole, liberally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-kissed crust.
Notes
- Cabbage Preparation: Chop cabbage uniformly for even cooking and better texture distribution throughout the casserole.
- Fat Draining Technique: Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
- Moisture Management: The beef broth and undrained tomatoes are crucial for keeping the casserole moist and preventing dry edges during baking.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Allow cheese to bubble and slightly golden for maximum flavor development and an appealing visual finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg