Sarama(Yield: 8 Servings)
A hearty, smoky cabbage and beef casserole packed with sauerkraut, rice, and tangy tomato sauce—perfect for family dinners and comforting Sunday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage ⓘ
- 1# rinsed sauerkraut ⓘ
- 2# ground sirloin ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) Tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Salt ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. Brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Red pepper seeds ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Steak sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce ⓘ
- 1 Egg ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans beef broth ⓘ
- 2 cups water that cabbage has been cooked in ⓘ
- 4 green peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves pressed garlic ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and cut the small head of cabbage into bite‑size pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the rinsed sauerkraut and ground sirloin; cook over medium heat until the meat is browned.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat with the meat and sauerkraut mixture.
- Pour in the 8‑ounce can of tomato sauce, 2 cans of beef broth, and 2 cups of the water the cabbage was cooked in; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 tsp salt, 4 Tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp red pepper seeds, 1 Tbsp steak sauce, and 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
- Add the chopped onion, pressed garlic, and diced green peppers; continue to simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Beat the egg and stir it into the casserole to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red pepper seeds or omit them entirely. If you don't have ground sirloin, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute. Additionally, you might consider adding some grated cheese on top for extra creaminess, echoing flavors found in Beef And Cheese Bake Casserole. Don't forget to rinse the sauerkraut well to reduce its saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for balance. For a comforting meal, consider pairing it with a creamy coleslaw. It also pairs beautifully with Meat Cabbage Rolls for a themed dinner. Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance flavor and presentation when garnishing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sarama(Yield: 8 Servings) contains roughly 612 calories, with 29g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (153% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2038mg 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 use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground sirloin is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter option. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish while still maintaining the overall essence.
What can I serve with Sarama?
Sarama is quite filling on its own, but it pairs well with sides like garlic bread, a light salad, or even roasted vegetables. These sides can help balance the richness of the casserole and add some freshness to the meal.
How can I make Sarama ahead of time?
You can prepare Sarama ahead by assembling it without cooking and then refrigerating it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it according to the instructions. This makes it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
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).