Swedish Cabbage Pudding(Meat Loaf)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Swedish

Swedish Cabbage Pudding is a hearty meatloaf-style dish blending savory ground beef, seasoned spices, and tender cabbage, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cabbage
  • 1/2 cup Karo syrup
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1 pound hamburger
  • 6 slices bread, soaked in water
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 egg
  • healthy squirt of catsup

Instructions

  1. Chop the cabbage coarsely and sauté in butter or margarine.
  2. Add Karo syrup and vinegar to the cabbage mixture.
  3. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Mix ground hamburg, soaked bread, pepper, salt, onion powder, allspice, nutmeg, egg, and catsup until well combined.
  5. Grease a baking dish.
  6. Cover the bottom of the dish with half of the cabbage mixture.
  7. Spread the hamburger mixture over the cabbage layer.
  8. Top with the remaining cabbage and its juice.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the cabbage in bacon fat instead of butter. If you don't have Karo syrup, honey or maple syrup can be a great substitute. Use gluten-free bread if necessary. This dish can also be enhanced with herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cabbage pudding warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of applesauce or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Pork recipes for a complete feast.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the Swedish Cabbage Pudding to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Swedish Cabbage Pudding(Meat Loaf) contains roughly 396 calories, with 7g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

396 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.9g 14% DV
Total Fat 7.1g 9% DV
Carbs 77.7g 28% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 2.5g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 647.1mg 28% DV
Potassium 579mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 203.7mg 68% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 108.5mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 25.8mg 29% DV
Calcium 201.7mg 16% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Swedish Cabbage Pudding a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What can I use instead of hamburger?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu, seasoned well to mimic the flavor of meat.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the hamburger mixture for a kick. Additionally, incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the cabbage mixture can elevate the heat level to your preference.

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).

Pork recipes → All recipes →