Cabbage Cacciatore
A hearty cabbage and ground beef casserole with rich tomato flavor, melted cheese topping, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion together. Drain excess fat.
- Using a large oven dish, place the cooked ground beef and onion at the bottom.
- Arrange the cabbage wedges evenly over the meat.
- Mix the tomato sauce with garlic salt until well combined.
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage and meat.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake until the cheese melts and is lightly browned.
- Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef. You can also enhance the dish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce mixture. Remember to keep an eye on the cabbage; if you prefer it softer, you can steam it slightly before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cabbage Cacciatore over a generous scoop of cooked rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a hearty variation, try it alongside other beef recipes like Dad's Steak And Gravy for a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. If reheating in the oven, consider covering it with foil to keep the cabbage from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Cacciatore contains roughly 488 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 988mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cabbage Cacciatore ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cabbage Cacciatore in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture. Alternatively, a homemade tomato puree with herbs can work well. Just ensure to season it with garlic salt to maintain the recipe's flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef. Additionally, you can include more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. The tomato sauce and cheese will still create a satisfying dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).