Old Fashioned Cabbage Dinner
A hearty and flavorful traditional casserole combining savory meats, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage (3 or 4 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 bunch carrots
- 6 or 8 new potatoes ⓘ
- 2 lb. corned beef or smoked ham hocks ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 small onions ⓘ
- 2 green peppers ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can ripe olives ⓘ
- 2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. bacon fat ⓘ
- 1 can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions, garlic, and green pepper in bacon fat for 20 minutes.
- Add seasoning with chopped meat (corned beef or smoked ham hocks).
- Pour the mixture into a large pan or casserole dish.
- Add whole kernel corn, tomatoes, and tomato sauce or puree.
- Prepare a cornmeal batter and drop by spoonfuls on top of the mixture.
- Bake in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks instead of corned beef. You can substitute the green peppers with bell peppers if preferred. If you want a bit more heat, add extra chili powder or red pepper. Ensure to sauté the vegetables until they're tender, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. This recipe is a great way to explore classic American recipes that celebrate hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old Fashioned Cabbage Dinner with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal. A light salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main dish. This dish pairs beautifully with Grandma's Tater Tot Casserole for a comforting family feast. Don't forget to sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cabbage dinner in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Cabbage Dinner contains roughly 1173 calories, with 38g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (143% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2281mg per serving (99% 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 use different meats in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the corned beef or smoked ham hocks with other meats like chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Ground turkey could also work well, providing a different flavor profile while maintaining the comfort of this dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meats and replace them with plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of hot water for added flavor. You can also enhance the dish with more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Alongside the Old Fashioned Cabbage Dinner, consider serving a simple coleslaw or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette salad can also complement the richness of the dish. For an indulgent treat, pair it with some Party Pups for a fun twist.
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).