Unstuffed Cabbage
Unstuffed Cabbage is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender cooked cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and rice in a flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted Cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it offers a savory, satisfying meal with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chopped cabbage in a greased 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until done.
- Stir in uncooked instant rice, salt, and pepper, if desired.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the cabbage in the baking dish.
- Combine the condensed tomato soup and water; pour over the beef mixture.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes or until rice and cabbage are tender.
- Uncover and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like oregano and basil to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the instant rice with leftover cooked rice, adjusting the liquid accordingly. For a healthier twist, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based protein. This dish is a comforting alternative to traditional American recipes like Meat Loaf With Zesty Topping.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a bit of freshness, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving elevates the flavors. It’s a great comfort food, much like Barbecue Bake or Cheese Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Unstuffed Cabbage contains roughly 656 calories, with 30g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (96% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute that mimics ground meat for similar texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the unstuffed cabbage ahead of time by assembling all the ingredients in the baking dish, covering it tightly, and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What can I do if I don’t have cabbage?
If you're out of cabbage, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Alternatively, you could use a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to give a different twist to the dish while still achieving a similar comforting quality.
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).