Recipe for Kalyn’s Cabbage Casserole with Stuffing: A Robust and Savory Meal
# Recipe for Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole: A Rich and Tasty Meal
Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole offers a delightful variation on classic stuffed cabbage rolls, merging the comforting tastes of traditional ingredients into a convenient and hearty casserole. This dish is not only scrumptious but also adaptable, making it an ideal option for family gatherings, meal preparation, or potlucks. With layers of savory ground meat, rice, and zesty tomato sauce, this casserole is guaranteed to please even the biggest appetites.
## Ingredients
To create Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
### For the Casserole:
– 1 large head of green cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter choice)
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)
### For the Tomato Sauce:
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (to offset acidity)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
1. **Boil the Cabbage**: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and submerge the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender. Take out the cabbage and let it cool for a bit. Peel the softened leaves off and set aside.
### Step 2: Cook the Filling
2. **Sauté the Aromatics**: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. **Brown the Meat**: Introduce the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any surplus fat.
4. **Combine Ingredients**: In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat mixture with the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
5. **Layer the Casserole**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Layer cabbage leaves over the sauce. Spoon a generous portion of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cabbage on top.
6. **Top with Sauce**: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top layer of cabbage. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added flavor.
### Step 4: Bake
7. **Bake the Casserole**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
### Step 5: Serve
8. **Cool and Serve**: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
## Tips for Success
– **Make Ahead**: This casserole can be assembled a day prior and kept in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
– **Customize the Filling**: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
– **Leftovers**: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for extended storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
## Conclusion
Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a substantial and tasty dish that provides the comfort of home-cooked meals right on your table. With its rich layers of meat, rice, and cabbage, all enveloped in a savory tomato sauce, it’s a meal the entire family will adore. Whether you’re seeking a warm dinner or a dish to share with friends, this casserole is bound to impress. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this timeless comfort food!