Un-Stuffed Cabbage
Un-Stuffed Cabbage features tender chopped cabbage combined with savory ground meat and rice, baked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for hearty, family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. extra lean ground round beef or turkey ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked, parboiled brown rice ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 beaten egg whites ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sugar-free ginger ale or regular ginger ale ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups catsup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. honey (omit if using regular ginger ale) ⓘ
- 1 head cabbage, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray or grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Mix together the ground meat, parboiled brown rice, finely chopped onion, beaten egg whites, and raisins (if using).
- In another bowl, beat together sugar-free ginger ale (or regular), catsup, tomato sauce, and honey (omit if using regular ginger ale).
- Place 5 to 6 cups of chopped cabbage in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the meat and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped cabbage over the meat mixture.
- Pour the sauce mixture over all the ingredients.
- Cover the dish and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 1/2 hours until all ingredients are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground meat mixture with garlic powder or Italian herbs. If you prefer, you can substitute quinoa for the brown rice for a gluten-free option. If you don't have ginger ale, a mix of soda and a bit of vinegar can work as a substitute for that tangy flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cabbage from dishes like Aunt Martha's Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Un-Stuffed Cabbage with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with Easy Veggie Soup for a lighter option. For an extra touch, top with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs before serving to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Un-Stuffed Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating it in intervals and stirring occasionally for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Un-Stuffed Cabbage contains roughly 380 calories, with 19g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Un-Stuffed Cabbage the day before. Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef, offering a leaner option. You could also use ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the Un-Stuffed Cabbage in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.
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).