Baked cabbage with meatballs

Baked cabbage with meatballs is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage, juicy meatballs, and a delicious sauce. Here’s a recipe to help you create this dish:

Baked Cabbage with Meatballs

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Meatballs:

 

500g (about 1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

 

For the Cabbage:

 

1 large head of cabbage, cored and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds

1 cup beef or chicken broth

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

 

Instructions:

 

1.Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, oregano, and parsley. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.

2.Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball, and set aside.

3.Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches. Brown them on all sides but don’t cook them all the way through. Remove and set aside.

4.Prepare the Cabbage: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large oven-proof casserole or Dutch oven, layer the cabbage slices.

5.Over the cabbage, scatter minced garlic, drizzle olive oil or dot with butter, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

6.Pour the beef or chicken broth over the cabbage, ensuring it’s well distributed.

7.Pour the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage.

8.Add Meatballs: Nestle the browned meatballs in between the cabbage slices.

9.Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

10.Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional herbs if desired.

 

This dish is wonderful served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. Enjoy your meal!