Description
A comforting and hearty casserole made with tender cabbage leaves, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, layered and baked to perfection for a cozy burger-inspired meal.
Ingredients
1 large head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup marinara sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate about 12 large leaves. Trim thick stems if needed for easier layering.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer 4–5 cabbage leaves to form the base.
- Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture over the cabbage leaves and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of cabbage leaves, the remaining meat mixture, and the rest of the cheese.
- Top with any remaining cabbage leaves and pour marinara sauce over the top if using.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.
Notes
Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be substituted for ground beef.
Blanch cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes if you prefer extra tender layers.
Drain excess fat from the meat to prevent a watery casserole.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
