Description
Hearty Polish Cabbage and Beef Casserole delivers comfort wrapped in layers of rich ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory seasonings. Warm family memories emerge with each satisfying forkful, inviting you to savor classic home-style cooking from Eastern European kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 3 cups (681 grams) cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup (195 grams) cooked rice
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with diced onions over medium heat until the meat turns rich brown and loses its raw appearance, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Create the first foundation layer by spreading half of the chopped cabbage across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even coverage.
- Distribute the seasoned beef mixture uniformly over the cabbage layer, creating a substantial protein base.
- Sprinkle the cooked rice across the beef, forming a distinct grain layer that will absorb flavors during baking.
- Pour the undrained diced tomatoes directly over the rice, allowing the liquid to seep through and enhance moisture.
- Add the remaining cabbage as the final vegetable layer, covering the previous ingredients completely.
- Gently pour beef broth over the entire casserole, which will help steam and tenderize the ingredients.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melted finish.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese becomes bubbly and develops a light golden crust.
Notes
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a lighter, healthier dish.
- Layer ingredients carefully, creating distinct and even sections for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Choose fresh cabbage for maximum crunch and better texture that holds up during baking.
- Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to taste preferences.
- Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the top from burning prematurely.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg