Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Craving creamy cabbage rolls but short on time? This Finnish Liha-kaalilaatikko (Meat and Cabbage Casserole) delivers all the comforting flavors in a fraction of the time! A simple, yet elegant dish perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. This easy recipe, adapted from a family favorite, features tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and warming spices, topped with a delightful parmesan crust. Serve alongside lingonberries, cranberry sauce, or currant jelly for a truly authentic Finnish experience.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 75 mins

Calories 334.5 kcal

Protein 45g

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Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole

1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Dark Corn Syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
Ground Marjoram
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Lean Ground Beef
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
Parmesan Cheese

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How to Make Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring enough water to cover 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds) to a boil. Add the cabbage and simmer until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Do not overcook.
Drain the cabbage thoroughly and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the drained cabbage with 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
In a separate large bowl, mix together 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup milk, and 2 large eggs. Gently combine until just mixed.
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter.
Layer half of the cabbage mixture in the prepared dish, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the cabbage mixture.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with lingonberries, cranberry sauce, or currant jelly!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

45 g

Sugar

28g

Fat

35g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes Beef & Red Meat Ground Beef Recipes European Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes Game Day Recipes Baking

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole?

Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole takes about 95 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 75 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole?

Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole has approximately 334.5 calories per serving, with about 45 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates and 23 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole?

The key ingredients for Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat And Cabbage Casserole are Cabbage, Onion, Butter, Dark Corn Syrup, Salt, White Pepper. See the full list with measurements above.