Quick Pigs In A Blanket
A comforting casserole combining ground beef, rice, and cabbage topped with melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for hearty family dinners and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop cabbage into medium pieces and spread in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish sprayed with Pam.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in uncooked rice, salt, and black pepper, then spoon the mixture over the cabbage in the baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, heat tomato soup and water to boiling.
- Pour the tomato soup mixture over all ingredients in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 1/2 hours.
- Uncover and fluff lightly with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. If you don't have cabbage, you can substitute with kale or collard greens. For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rice. Ensure the beef is well-browned for a deeper taste. This dish pairs excellently with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra cheesy touch, you can sprinkle more Mozzarella cheese on top right before serving. This hearty casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the casserole's texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Pigs In A Blanket contains roughly 662 calories, with 28g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1981mg per serving (86% 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?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if using leaner meats, to avoid drying out the dish.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Certainly! You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of water for the soup mixture to keep it flavorful while maintaining a vegetarian profile.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge, ensuring it's heated through completely.
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).