Vegetable Cabbage and Cheese Casserole: A Comforting and Hearty Dish

Introduction

Vegetable Cabbage and Cheese Casserole is the perfect comfort food that brings together the wholesome goodness of cabbage with a cheesy, creamy filling. Packed with vegetables, topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, and baked to perfection, this casserole is a deliciously hearty dish that can serve as a main course or a side dish. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian dinner or a flavorful addition to your weekly meal plan, this casserole is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and your hunger.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (or fresh peas, if available)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Preparation Tips

Pre-cook the Cabbage: If you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch the shredded cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes before incorporating it into the casserole mixture. This helps reduce the cabbage’s crunch and gives it a more tender consistency.
Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or corn, depending on your preference. You can even use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.
Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy casserole, add a bit more ricotta cheese or a dollop of sour cream into the egg mixture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season the vegetables with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

If you haven’t already, shred the cabbage into thin strips.
In a large pot, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the shredded cabbage. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the cabbage softens slightly. Drain and set aside, or if you prefer, you can skip this step and use the cabbage raw.

Step 3: Make the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sautéed vegetables, ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, and milk. Mix everything together until well combined.
Season the mixture with more salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray.
Pour the vegetable and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, followed by the breadcrumbs (if using). This will give the casserole a nice crunchy topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
If you’d like a crispier top, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor, if desired.

Description

This Vegetable Cabbage and Cheese Casserole is a warm, comforting dish filled with tender cabbage, savory vegetables, and a creamy cheese mixture. The combination of cheddar, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses gives the casserole a rich, cheesy flavor, while the sautéed vegetables add depth and texture. Topped with a golden, crispy crust, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 330mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 8%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can swap the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can use any hard cheese you prefer.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you want to make it even further in advance, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! This casserole is very flexible, and you can add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just make sure to sauté any vegetables that are more fibrous to ensure they cook properly in the casserole.

4. How can I make this casserole lighter?
To make the casserole lighter, you can use low-fat cheese or substitute some of the cheese with Greek yogurt. You can also use less cheese and add more vegetables to balance the dish.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs (if using breadcrumbs at all). The casserole itself is not reliant on flour or gluten, so it can be enjoyed by those with gluten sensitivities.

Recommendations

Pair with a Side Salad: Serve the casserole with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Herb Variations: Add some fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a spicy kick.
Top with Crispy Onions: For extra crunch, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.

Conclusion

This Vegetable Cabbage and Cheese Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a side dish to complement a larger meal. With its satisfying blend of vegetables and cheese, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still enjoying a rich, indulgent meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to be a hit!