Ingredients:

• 450g (1 lb) Minced Meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 250g (½ lb) Cabbage, finely chopped
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Egg
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 150g (5 oz) Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any melting cheese)
• 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Steps to Make Cabbage and Minced Meat Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables:
   • Finely chop the cabbage and onion. The smaller you chop the cabbage, the more it will blend with the meat, creating a tender texture in the casserole.
2. Grate the Cheese:
   • Grate your preferred cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda all work well for this recipe. Set the cheese aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Minced Meat and Vegetables

3. Sauté the Onion and Cabbage:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
   • Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Minced Meat:
   • In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Once the meat is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess fat if necessary, then mix in the cooked cabbage and onion.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

5. Mix the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked minced meat, cabbage, and onion mixture. Crack one egg into the mixture and stir well to combine. The egg acts as a binder, helping the casserole hold its shape when baked.
6. Layer the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
   • Pour the meat and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top with Cheese and Mayonnaise:
   • In a small bowl, mix the grated cheese with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. This will create a creamy, cheesy topping for the casserole.
   • Spread the cheese and mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of the meat and cabbage layer.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

8. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly on top.

Step 5: Serve

9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness if desired.
   • Serve warm as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 650mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. A combination of meats also works well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute.

2. What type of cheese works best in this casserole?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda are all excellent choices as they melt well and provide a nice balance of creaminess and flavor. You can also mix different cheeses for more depth.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! You can add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the vegetable mixture for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them before mixing with the meat and cabbage.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

5. Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the fully cooked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Tips on How to Make the Best Cabbage and Minced Meat Casserole:

1. Use Fresh Cabbage:
   Fresh cabbage will give the best texture and flavor. If you want a softer texture, sauté the cabbage longer before mixing it with the meat.
2. Add More Flavor with Spices:
   While salt and pepper are enough to season the dish, you can enhance the flavors by adding a pinch of paprika, thyme, or oregano to the meat mixture.
3. Cheese Variety:
   If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to use a combination of cheeses. Adding parmesan on top can give the casserole a nice crispy, golden crust.
4. Let the Casserole Rest:
   After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing:
  Once the casserole has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 180°C (360°F) until heated through.

Conclusion:

Cabbage and Minced Meat Casserole with Cheese and Mayonnaise is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the week. The combination of seasoned minced meat, tender cabbage, and a rich cheesy topping creates a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized with additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!