This delicious meat and cabbage casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender meat, soft cabbage, and a creamy mushroom sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) meat (beef or pork)
- 1 small head of cabbage
- 3 tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Universal meat seasoning
- Italian herb mix
For the Mushroom Sauce
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 150 g (5.3 oz) mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) milk or cream
- Salt
- Paprika
- Universal meat seasoning
For the Side Dish
- 3 boiled potatoes
- 5 boiled eggs
- 1 blue onion
- 100 g (3.5 oz) canned corn
- Fresh parsley
- 1 tomato
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened yogurt
- 100 g (3.5 oz) hard cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meat
- Cut the meat into steaks
- Make shallow cuts across the surface of each steak
- Season with salt and universal meat seasoning
- Prepare the Cabbage
- Cut cabbage into rings matching the size of meat steaks
- Place cabbage rings in a baking tray
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Season with salt
- Assemble the Casserole
- Lay prepared meat steaks on top of cabbage rings
- Season with additional salt and pepper
- Slice tomatoes into rings and distribute over the meat
- Sprinkle with Italian herb mix
- First Baking
- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F)
- Bake for 40 minutes
- Prepare Mushroom Sauce
- Melt ghee in a pan
- Grate mushrooms
- Add flour and create a roux
- Gradually add milk or cream
- Season with salt, paprika, and meat seasoning
- Adjust consistency with additional cream if needed
- Prepare Side Dish
- Chop boiled potatoes
- Slice boiled eggs
- Dice blue onion
- Add canned corn
- Chop parsley and tomato
- Mix with yogurt
- Season with salt
- Final Baking
- Pour mushroom sauce over the meat and cabbage
- Sprinkle grated hard cheese on top
- Bake for additional 5-10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 28g
Cooking Time
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 80-90 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose meat with some marbling for extra tenderness
- Cut cabbage rings evenly for uniform cooking
- Don’t overcook the meat to keep it juicy
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with plant-based protein
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour
- Low-Carb: Reduce potato quantity
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of milk
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, chicken or lamb work well too.
Q2: How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish? Yes, freeze without the side dish for up to 3 months.
Q4: What if I don’t have ghee? Substitute with butter or olive oil.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Prepare components in advance and assemble before baking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Store in airtight container
- Reheat in oven at 160°C (325°F)
- Best consumed within 3-4 days
Enjoy this delightful and hearty meal that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table!