Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole is a classic American dish that has been cherished for generations. This savory casserole, featuring layers of tender cabbage, ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce, is a testament to the homestyle cooking that the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for. In this article, we will delve into the origins of this beloved casserole, explore its key ingredients, and provide you with a delicious recipe to make your own Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole at home.
The Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole is a spin on the traditional Russian dish, “stuffed cabbage rolls,” or “sol’yanka.” It was brought to America by early European settlers and has since been adapted to suit the American palate. Ree Drummond, the author of the Pioneer Woman blog and cookbook, has made this dish her own by adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.
One of the key ingredients in the Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole is the cabbage. The dish calls for green cabbage, which is typically shredded and cooked until tender. This creates a perfect base for the savory filling. The filling itself is made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that add depth of flavor to the dish. To bind everything together, a mixture of eggs, breadcrumbs, and sour cream is used to create a rich and creamy texture.
The dish is then topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, which is made from canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. This sauce is poured over the top of the casserole before it is baked to perfection. The combination of the tender cabbage, savory filling, and tangy tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Here is a simple recipe for you to try your hand at making Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the cabbage leaves in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent.
- Season the meat mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, breadcrumbs, and sour cream.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the ends to seal.
- Lay the cabbage rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, and oregano.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole with a side of rice or crusty bread. This comforting dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in the Drummond family.
