Cabbage and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 215.5
Description
This Cabbage and Rice Casserole combines the earthy flavors of cabbage, savory turkey or beef, and the aromatic richness of long grain rice, all baked together in a warm, hearty dish. The addition of Brown Sugar Twin and mustard adds a delightful zip that gives this casserole its signature flavor. The dish is simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether you choose lean ground turkey or richer ground beef, this casserole makes a filling meal, with each generous serving being a healthy option for those watching their points.
- Ground turkey version: 3 points per serving
- Ground beef version: 4 1/2 points per serving
Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be doubled to make a larger batch, ideal for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for the week.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 2 cups, chopped |
| Onion | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Ground turkey (or ground beef) | 8 oz (1/2 lb) |
| Long grain rice | 2/3 cup, uncooked |
| Tomatoes (seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Brown Sugar Twin | 2 tbsp |
| Mustard | 2 tsp |
| Lemon pepper | 1/8 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215.5 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4g |
| Cholesterol | 44.8mg |
| Sodium | 89.7mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28.8g |
| Fiber | 1.6g |
| Sugar | 2.2g |
| Protein | 12.9g |
Instructions
-
Brown the Meat:
Begin by browning the ground meat of your choice—ground turkey or ground beef—over medium heat in a skillet. Break up the meat into small pieces and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary and set aside. -
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 square baking dish. Layer the chopped cabbage evenly on the bottom of the dish. This will form the base of your casserole. -
Layer the Ingredients:
On top of the cabbage, layer the chopped onion, browned ground meat, and uncooked long grain rice. Spread each layer evenly across the baking dish for a balanced flavor in every bite. -
Prepare the Tomato Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the canned tomatoes (with basil, garlic, and oregano), Brown Sugar Twin, mustard, and lemon pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed. The sweet and tangy mustard combo will give the dish a distinctive taste. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the tomato mixture over the layers of cabbage, onion, meat, and rice in the baking dish. Spread it evenly so that all ingredients are well covered with the tomato sauce. -
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This will allow the cabbage to tenderize and the rice to cook fully. After 1 1/2 hours, remove the foil. -
Final Baking Step:
Uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the top crisp up and become golden brown. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Slice into generous portions and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal. If you have a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Tips and Variations
- Ground Beef: If you prefer the richness of ground beef, feel free to swap it in for the ground turkey. This adds a bit more fat and flavor to the dish.
- Rice: Long grain rice works best for this casserole, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the tomato sauce nicely. Avoid quick-cooking rice, as it may not hold up well during the baking process.
- Tomato Options: If you don’t have seasoned tomatoes on hand, you can use plain diced tomatoes and add your own seasonings such as basil, oregano, and garlic powder for a similar effect.
- For a Larger Batch: You can easily double this recipe by using a larger baking dish (9×13) and adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cabbage and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal—it’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. With the addition of Brown Sugar Twin and mustard, this casserole stands out from typical comfort food dishes, offering a bit of sweetness and tang to balance the savory ingredients. It’s an easy dish to prepare, and the oven does most of the work for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get your vegetables and lean protein into one meal, making it a nutritious and satisfying dinner choice for the whole family.
