Pig-N-Basket
Hearty German-inspired casserole featuring ground beef, sausage, cabbage leaves, tomato soup, and ham hocks—rich, comforting, and perfect for family dinner nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, sausage, chopped onion, and uncooked rice in a skillet with salt and pepper.
- Set the browned mixture aside.
- Core the cabbage and boil until the leaves separate; then trim veins and remove leaves one at a time.
- Fill each cabbage leaf with the beef mixture, roll up, and secure with a toothpick.
- Rinse sauerkraut to reduce its strong flavor.
- Layer 1/2 cup of sauerkraut at the bottom of a deep pan or crock‑pot.
- Place ham hocks around the edges and arrange the rolled cabbage leaves in the center.
- Cover the cabbage with the remaining sauerkraut.
- Pour tomato soup and half a cup of water over everything, ensuring the mixture is well covered.
- Cover the pot and simmer slowly for 2 hours.
- Serve hot, spooning the rich broth over the cabbage rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding some garlic or herbs like thyme to the meat mixture for added flavor. If you don't have ham hocks, smoked sausage can be a great substitute. Additionally, you can use pre-cooked rice to save time. Make sure to rinse the sauerkraut well to cut down on its sharpness. This dish is similar to traditional American recipes that incorporate cabbage rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pig-N-Basket hot with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Corned Beef And Cabbage Casserole for a hearty feast. For a complete experience, consider offering a dollop of sour cream on the side to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a pot with a bit of water, cover, and heat on low until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pig-N-Basket contains roughly 313 calories, with 11g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2803mg per serving (122% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls and layer them in the pot in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. When ready, simply add the tomato soup and water, then simmer.
What can I use instead of cabbage leaves?
If you want a different approach, try using collard greens or even large lettuce leaves as a wrap. They will provide a unique flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using a different type of leaf.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! The rolled cabbage can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. For reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then simmer until heated through.
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).