Before we dive into the details of Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole, let’s talk about how to elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs well with a refreshing side salad, featuring crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
You might also consider serving some crusty bread on the side for that extra crunch. If you want to stay on the healthy side, roasted vegetables bring an appealing color and flavor contrast. Alternatively, if you prefer a heartier companion, creamy mashed potatoes make a wonderful match, soaking up the casserole’s rich sauce.
You’ll Also Like These Recipes
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom Recipe
- Savoring Cod Fish Tacos Recipe
- Bisteces a la Mexicana:Mexican Beef Stew
Let me take you on a culinary adventure with Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen for reasons that go beyond taste. It’s comforting yet nutritious, layered with flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of palates.
If you’ve ever had stuffed cabbage rolls but found them tedious to prepare, this casserole is the answer to your prayers. You get all the delightful flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage but in a much more manageable form. I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!
What is Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole?
Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole is a delicious fusion of classic stuffed cabbage rolls and casserole ease. It layers flavors from ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a tangy tomato sauce that brings it all together. Instead of rolling individual cabbage leaves, which can be tedious, the casserole allows all the ingredients to coexist, creating a dish that’s not only delightful but also easy to prepare.
This generous casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Leftovers heat up beautifully, and it tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic choice for busy weekdays or casual get-togethers.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Stuffed Cabbage Casseroles?
What sets Kalyn’s recipe apart is the careful selection of ingredients and techniques that enhance its nutritional profile and flavor. While many stuffed cabbage recipes call for rich sauces or more extensive cooking times, this version streamlines the process without sacrificing taste.
The use of lean ground beef reduces fat content while still providing that satisfying meatiness. Couple that with brown rice instead of white for an added fiber boost, and you have a dish that’s hearty yet healthy.
Additionally, the combination of sweet Hungarian paprika and smoked paprika elevates the flavor, creating a warm and inviting dish that delights your taste buds. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together effortlessly.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a warm, hearty hug on a plate. Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole has a savory richness from the ground beef, complemented by the softness of the cabbage and the slight sweetness of the tomato sauce.
Each bite delivers a wonderful tapestry of flavors. The rice adds a delightful chewiness, providing a satisfying contrast to the tenderness of the meat and vegetables. The blend of spices gives it just the right kick, making it a dish you’ll want to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful casserole:
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (95% lean)
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 ½ heads green cabbage, roughly chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sprinkle in the thyme, sweet Hungarian paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then remove from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage with the cooked meat mixture. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and the cooked brown rice. Stir everything until well combined.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, pour half of the cabbage mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining cabbage mixture and finish with another layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors you’ve just created!
Tips & Tricks On Making Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Use Day-Old Rice: Cooked rice that’s been left to cool is a bit drier and holds up better in the casserole without making it mushy.
Balance the Cook: If you prefer slightly crunchy cabbage, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Cheese Variation: Swap mozzarella for a sharper cheese like cheddar if you desire a bolder flavor.
Texture Matters: Chop your cabbage into similar sizes to ensure even cooking; uneven sizes can lead to some pieces being overcooked.
Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion out servings before or after baking for an easy meal later.
Nutrition Information
Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole is nutritious and filling. A single serving provides a balance of protein from the ground beef, fiber from the cabbage and brown rice, and essential vitamins from the vegetables. While exact nutritional information may vary, each serving contains approximately:
Calories: 350
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 15g
Always refer to nutritional databases or calculators for precise values tailored to your ingredient choices.
How Do I Store This Dish?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer bags for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers, or they might end up in the forgotten part of the freezer!
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole?
If you’re looking to customize Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole, here are a few suggestions:
Ground Turkey: This is a great alternative to beef if you want to lighten the dish. It cooks similarly and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless dish, consider using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Both options will provide a hearty texture.
Zucchini Noodles: Swap out the brown rice for spiralized zucchini for a low-carb version. Just ensure you squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
Quinoa: Another healthy alternative! Quinoa offers a distinct nutty flavor and more protein than rice.
Cauliflower Rice: This option is perfect for those on a keto diet but still provides a satisfying base for the casserole without the carbs.
Kalyn’s Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Equipment
- Oven, Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef 95% lean
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ heads green cabbage roughly chopped
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sprinkle in the thyme, sweet Hungarian paprika, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then remove from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage with the cooked meat mixture. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and the cooked brown rice. Stir everything until well combined.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, pour half of the cabbage mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining cabbage mixture and finish with another layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors you’ve just created!
Notes
Balance the Cook: If you prefer slightly crunchy cabbage, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Cheese Variation: Swap mozzarella for a sharper cheese like cheddar if you desire a bolder flavor.
Texture Matters: Chop your cabbage into similar sizes to ensure even cooking; uneven sizes can lead to some pieces being overcooked.
Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion out servings before or after baking for an easy meal later.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge and bake it before serving. This will enhance the flavors as they have time to meld together.
2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative works great. Just season accordingly to match the flavors of the dish.
3. Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Using brown rice is already a step in the right direction, but ensure all canned products (like the tomato sauce) are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the meat with lentils or a veggie protein. Everything else can remain the same, making the dish just as enjoyable without meat.
5. How spicy is this casserole?
This dish isn’t spicy, but you can add a touch of red pepper flakes if you desire a little heat. Adjust the spices to your liking!
Conclusion
Kalyn’s stuffed cabbage casserole is more than just a recipe. It’s a comforting meal that warms the soul and pleases the palate. With its clever mix of flavors and easy preparation, it has all the attributes of a go-to dish for gatherings or quiet nights at home.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for your busy week, this casserole remains a reliable and delicious option. Try it out, and I guarantee you’ll add it to your dinner rotation—it’s just that good! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
