I’ve always been a fan of making the most out of simple ingredients, and my Baked Cabbage recipe is a testament to this. This recipe has been with me for years, passed down from my grandmother, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s a simple dish, yet packed full of flavor and nutrition. The humble cabbage, when baked, brings out a sweet and slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich taste of ground chuck and Mozzarella cheese. The addition of rice gives it a hearty texture, making it a satisfying meal for any time of the day. What I absolutely love about this dish is its versatility. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet impressive enough to serve at a party. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, even on a busy weekday. So join me as I guide you through the process of creating this delectable dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck
- 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1/2 c. rice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 head cabbage
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1 1/2 c. water
- 1/4 c. Mozzarella cheese
Baking Instructions
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Cut up cabbage in medium pieces. Spread on bottom of pan.
- Brown meat and onion.
- Stir in rice, salt and pepper.
- Spoon over cabbage.
- Heat tomato soup and water to boiling.
- Pour over mixture.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake in oven at 350° for 1 1/2 hours.
Calorie: 400
Total cooking time: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
The Glorious Saga of Baked Cabbage
Remember that time when we were all hanging out together, and I casually mentioned that I was making baked cabbage for dinner? Yes, that was the moment when you all gave me the ‘You’re-Crazy’ look. But today, I’m here to share the tale of how I tamed the cabbage and created a dish that would make even the pickiest eater ask for seconds.
The Battle of Gathering Ingredients
The first part of my journey was to gather all the warriors, I mean, ingredients. The list included the mighty ground chuck, a small but feisty onion, the ever versatile rice, and the twin sizzlers – salt and pepper. Of course, the main protagonist, the stately cabbage, couldn’t be forgotten. To add to the drama, I had to call in the tomato soup, water, and a final sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
The Pre-Preparation Predicament
Before the actual showdown could begin, I had to grease a 13 x 9-inch pan. It’s like prepping the battleground, you see. Then came the task of cutting up the cabbage into medium pieces. I felt like a knight, slicing through the thick foliage of an enchanted forest.
The Browning of the Chuck
Next, I had to brown the meat and onion. This was like a dance of flavors – the meat sizzling and the onion hissing. I stirred in rice, salt, and pepper, all the while humming my go-to cooking song. It was a symphony in a pan!
The Cabbage Conundrum
Then came the moment of truth – spooning the mixture over the cabbage. I have to admit, I was slightly nervous, but with a deep breath and a steady hand, I managed to spread the mixture evenly. Phew!
The Soup Surprise
The next step was to heat the tomato soup and water to boiling. It felt like making a potion in a witch’s cauldron, with the steam and the bubbles. Pouring it over the mixture, I felt like a wizard casting a spell.
The Oven Ordeal
After covering the pan with foil, it was time for the final step – baking. The oven was set at 350° and the timer was set for 1 1/2 hours. The waiting was the hardest part. The aroma wafted through my house, making me feel like I was in a gourmet restaurant.
The Cheesy Climax
A few minutes before the timer went off, I sprinkled some mozzarella cheese over the dish. The cheese melted and bubbled, like lava over a volcano. The sight was enough to make me break into my happy dance.
The Taste Test Triumph
The moment of truth arrived as I took out the pan and placed it on the table. The first bite was divine. The flavors melded together perfectly, with the ground chuck, onion, and rice giving a savory punch, the cabbage adding a fresh crunch, and the tomato soup providing a tangy twist. The sprinkle of mozzarella cheese was the icing on the cake.
So, my dear friends, that’s the tale of the glorified baked cabbage. It’s a simple dish, but like a good story, it’s all about how you tell it. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be telling this story for a long time. Happy cooking!
