Old Fashioned Cabbage Casserole🥬🧀

This comforting Old Fashioned Cabbage Casserole is a delightful dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It layers tender cabbage with savory ground beef and a medley of aromatic spices and herbs, all topped off with a gooey layer of cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

🥄 For added flavor, you can season the beef with Worcestershire sauce while cooking.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, chopped cabbage, drained tomatoes, uncooked rice, beef broth, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

• Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the rice and cabbage are tender.

• Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

🥗 Add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness just before serving!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein, like tempeh or mushrooms. You can add more veggies to enhance the flavor!
• Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
• Italian: Mix in Italian sausage instead of regular beef, and use marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes for an Italian twist!
• Make it creamy: Stir in a cup of sour cream or cream cheese before baking for a creamy texture that adds richness to the dish.

Enjoy this Old Fashioned Cabbage Casserole with family and friends—it's a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly! 🌟❤️