Prepare to savor comfort food at its finest with this hearty and flavorful 'Cabbage Casserole by Request for Vicki G.' This recipe combines tender blanched cabbage, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and fluffy cooked rice, all layered with rich cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream for creamy indulgence. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, onion, and warming spices like thyme and paprika, this casserole offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, it's baked to perfection in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Easy to make and generously serving six, this casserole is a delicious way to enjoy comfort food with a twist.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the cabbage in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain well and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika, followed by the crushed tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, blanched cabbage, and ground beef mixture until well combined.
Transfer half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over it. Add the remaining mixture on top and pour the heavy cream evenly over the entire casserole.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
3120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 214.0 g | 274% | |
| Saturated Fat | 102.8 g | 514% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 662 mg | 221% | |
| Sodium | 5358 mg | 233% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.9 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.6 g | ||
| Protein | 139.8 g | 280% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1258 mg | 97% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 3471 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.