Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko Meat and Cabbage Casserole

Warm, hearty, and brimming with Nordic charm, Finnish Lihakaalilaatikko, or Meat and Cabbage Casserole, is your next go-to comfort dish. This traditional Finnish recipe combines tender sautéed cabbage, perfectly seasoned ground beef or pork, and fluffy cooked rice, all bound together by a rich milk and egg mixture. Topped with golden breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this casserole bakes to perfection, offering a cozy balance of flavors enhanced by a touch of allspice. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it delivers simple ingredients elevated through slow baking to develop deep, wholesome flavors. Whether you're exploring Finnish cuisine or craving a soul-warming casserole, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 medium head green cabbage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 500 grams ground beef or pork
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 150 grams cooked rice
• 250 milliliters whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 2

Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and finely shred the rest.

Step 3

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, cook the ground beef or pork over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and the ground allspice. Remove from heat.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed cabbage, cooked meat mixture, and cooked rice. Mix well.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and the remaining salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Spread the cabbage and meat mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 8

Pour the milk and egg mixture over the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 9

Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Step 10

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting Finnish classic!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1524.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2167.0

Total Fat 141.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 716.3mg	0%
Sodium 5919.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 111.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 32.6g
Protein 114.7g	0%

Vitamin D 171.7IU	0%
Calcium 651.3mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 2736.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.5%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 20.5%