Quick And Easy Pigs In The Blanket
A comforting baked casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, rice, and cabbage topped with Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Chop the cabbage into medium pieces and spread in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet, breaking up the beef into small pieces.
- Stir in the rice and pepper.
- Drain grease from the skillet.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the cabbage in a small saucepan.
- Heat the tomato soup and water to boiling in the saucepan.
- Pour the tomato mixture over all the ingredients in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped garlic or bell peppers to the beef mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re out of tomato soup, crushed tomatoes with a bit of seasoning can work as a substitute. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes like Fried Cabbage And Hamburger, making it a comforting choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Pigs In The Blanket contains roughly 757 calories, with 36g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef, providing a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. You might also experiment with sausage for a spicier kick. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as necessary based on the meat’s fat content.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils or quinoa and diced vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor and keep the tomato soup for a rich sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the cheese right before baking. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).