Light, Diet Friendly Cabbage Casserole 🥬✨

This light and flavorful cabbage casserole is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep! Packed with protein and fiber while being low in calories, this dish makes it easy to indulge without the guilt. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef over medium heat until it's browned. Drain any excess fat.

🍳 Make sure to break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks for even browning.

• Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
• Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

🔥 You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences; add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if desired!

• Once the mixture is cooked, fold in the cooked quinoa or brown rice.
• Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.

🍚 Using quinoa or brown rice not only increases the fiber content but makes the dish more filling!

• If you're adding cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top.

• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted, if using.

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a protein boost.
• Gluten-free: Use quinoa as the base instead of rice or pay attention to ensure your broth is gluten-free.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutrition in this dish.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cabbage mixture to give it a kick.

Enjoy this delicious and wholesome cabbage casserole as part of your healthy meal routine! 🍽️💚