Old-Fashioned Cabbage
A hearty, savory cabbage dish filled with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and stuffing mix, baked to perfection—perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut a slice from the top of the cabbage and remove the inside, leaving a 3/4-inch shell.
- Reserve the inside of the cabbage for cole slaw. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook and stir ground beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until light brown.
- Drain the cooked ground beef.
- Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, the whole tomatoes with liquid, stuffing mix, chopped onion, and salt.
- Break up the whole tomatoes with a spoon inside the mixture.
- Fill the cabbage shell with the beef and tomato mixture.
- Place the stuffed cabbage in a Dutch oven.
- Mix the remaining tomato sauce with water and pour around the cabbage in the Dutch oven.
- Bake for about 45 minutes.
- Remove the cabbage from the oven and cut into 6 wedges.
- Spoon hot tomato sauce over the wedges before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some minced garlic or herbs like thyme or oregano to the beef mixture. If you don't have herb seasoned stuffing mix, plain breadcrumbs with some Italian seasoning can work as a substitute. To save time, prepare the stuffing while the cabbage bakes, or try using leftover beef from recipes like Hamburger Stuffed Rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage wedges with a generous drizzle of the hot tomato sauce on top. Pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish also complements well with roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw, making it a versatile option for any dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wedges in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Cabbage contains roughly 276 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1548mg per serving (67% 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 a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute mixed with vegetables to create a filling mixture.
What can I do with the leftover cabbage innards?
The reserved cabbage leaves can be used to make cole slaw or added to soups and stir-fries for extra nutrition. You can also sauté them with some onions and garlic for a flavorful side dish.
How can I tell when the cabbage is done baking?
The cabbage is done when it's tender and the filling is heated through, usually about 45 minutes. You can check by inserting a fork into the cabbage; it should pierce easily. The internal temperature of the filling should reach 165°F for safety.
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).