Quick "Pigs In The Blanket"
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and savory tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop cabbage into medium-sized pieces and spread in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Stir in uncooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the cabbage in the dish.
- Pour tomato soup and water over the top.
- Cover and bake until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked, about 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free alternative. If you prefer a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This dish can also be made with other vegetables, like kale or spinach, for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a main dish on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete dinner, you could follow it with a light dessert like fruit salad or a slice of cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick "Pigs In The Blanket" contains roughly 505 calories, with 24g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2036mg per serving (89% 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 casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use a can of diced tomatoes blended until smooth, or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity if using diced tomatoes.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a meat substitute like lentils or a veggie sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor and texture.
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).