Cabbage Wedge Meal-In-One
A hearty one-pan meal featuring tender cabbage wedges filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, simmered in a savory tomato broth—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove tough outer leaves from the cabbage and cut into 8 wedges, removing part of the hard core.
- Place cabbage wedges in a greased casserole dish. Place chopped onions, ground beef, and rice between the wedges.
- Combine canned tomatoes, hot water, salt, and pepper, then pour the mixture over the casserole.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on texture, consider adding grated carrots or bell peppers between the cabbage wedges. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be substituted for the uncooked rice. Feel free to replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, adding herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to complement the flavors. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy touch. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating. If using the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Wedge Meal-In-One contains roughly 268 calories, with 16g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. At about 268 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 use different types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially if using pre-cooked meats.
What can I do if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If canned tomatoes aren't available, you can use fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped, or a jar of tomato sauce. Just adjust the liquid content slightly to maintain the casserole's consistency.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before pouring it over the casserole. You can also use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for added heat.
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).