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Baked Cabbage Steaks with Meatballs is a delicious, hearty, and low-carb dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The roasted cabbage steaks are tender yet slightly crispy at the edges, and the meatballs add a savory, flavorful punch. You can make this dish with any kind of meatballs you prefer—beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based!
Baked Cabbage Steaks with Meatballs
Ingredients:
- For the Cabbage Steaks:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or your favorite seasoning mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying or baking)
- For the Sauce (optional):
- 1 cup marinara sauce or your favorite tomato sauce
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Steaks:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the cabbage into 1-inch thick rounds (you should get about 4-6 “steaks” depending on the size of your cabbage).
- Lay the cabbage steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cabbage and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
- Roast the cabbage steaks in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), grated Parmesan, egg, parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Option 1 (Pan-Fried): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Option 2 (Baked): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once both the cabbage steaks and meatballs are cooked, place the cabbage steaks on serving plates.
- Top each cabbage steak with a meatball or two.
- If desired, warm up marinara sauce and spoon it over the meatballs and cabbage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
- For a Keto Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep the meatballs low-carb.
- Add Cheese: You can top the meatballs with mozzarella cheese and return them to the oven for a minute or two to melt it for a cheesy, pizza-inspired twist.
- Add Veggies: Consider serving this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for added color and flavor.
- Flavor Variations for Meatballs: Customize the seasoning of the meatballs with different herbs, such as basil, rosemary, or thyme, for variation. You can also add a bit of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Baked Cabbage Steaks with Meatballs alongside a simple green salad, or with some roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
- This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
Baked Cabbage Steaks with Meatballs is an easy-to-make, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s full of flavor and texture. Enjoy the crispy cabbage and juicy meatballs together for a satisfying dinner!
