Low Calorie Hot Dish
A comforting low-calorie hot dish combining cabbage, ground beef, rice, and tomato soup, perfect for a wholesome family meal with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in raw rice, one can of tomato soup, one can of water, and pepper; cook until rice begins to soften.
- Spread chopped cabbage in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Pour the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage.
- Cover all with one can of tomato soup and one can of water.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. You can also substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice to reduce calories further. Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or paprika to enhance flavor. If you have extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, you can mix them in with the meat and rice for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. For a comforting addition, consider serving alongside Grandmas Buttermilk Cornbread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through or bake it in the oven at 350°F until warm. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Calorie Hot Dish contains roughly 1566 calories, with 51g protein, 241g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (102% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2968mg per serving (129% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the hot dish?
Absolutely! This hot dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce mixed with some Italian seasoning for a similar flavor. This will give the dish a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.
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).