A traditional Finnish dish that combines sautéed cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and rice into a comforting baked casserole. It's hearty yet balanced, with a subtle sweetness from spices and cabbage. Best served with lingonberry or cranberry sauce for that perfect sweet-savory harmony.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk or fork
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Mixture:
- 1 small green cabbage (or ½ large), finely sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp brown sugar or dark corn syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried marjoram
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
For the Meat & Rice Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1½ cups cooked rice (brown or white; jasmine preferred)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Finely slice the cabbage and place it in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Mix the drained cabbage with butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper, marjoram, and allspice. Set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Remove from heat.
- Stir cooked rice and breadcrumbs into the meat.
- In a bowl, whisk together milk and egg. Add to the meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Layer half the cabbage in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread the meat mixture over the cabbage layer.
- Top with the remaining cabbage.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2–4 minutes (optional).
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Looking for a hearty yet wholesome dish that brings both comfort and nutrition to the table? 🇫🇮 This Finnish Cabbage Casserole — or Kaalilaatikko — is a traditional Scandinavian classic that beautifully blends sweet and savory flavors. With a comforting mix of sautéed cabbage, ground beef, and rice, this casserole is a one-pan wonder that's perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Comforting & nourishing: It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor, without being too heavy.
- ✅ One-dish meal: Protein, grains, and veggies — all in one delicious bake.
- ✅ Meal-prep friendly: Stores and freezes well for later.
- ✅ Authentic Finnish flavor: Earthy spices and lingonberries make it unmistakably Nordic.
🍳 Tools & Equipment
To prepare Kaalilaatikko, you’ll need:- 🔪 Sharp knife
- 🥣 Large pot (for cabbage)
- 🍳 Skillet or frying pan
- 🧂 Measuring cups & spoons
- 🥄 Whisk or fork (for egg mixture)
- 🧊 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- 🧯 Optional: Broiler for a crispy finish
🛒 Ingredients
Cabbage Layer:
- 1 small green cabbage (or ½ large), finely sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp brown sugar or dark corn syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp dried marjoram
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional, but recommended for authentic taste)
Meat & Rice Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1½ cups cooked rice (brown jasmine rice preferred, but white works too)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
🔥 How to Make Finnish Cabbage Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
-
Prepare the cabbage:
- Slice the cabbage thinly and place it in a large pot.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for about 5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Drain well, then stir in butter, sugar, salt, pepper, marjoram, and allspice (if using). Set aside.
-
Cook the beef:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Remove from heat, then mix in the cooked rice and breadcrumbs.
-
Make the binder:
- In a bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
- Pour the mixture into the meat and rice and stir to combine everything thoroughly.
-
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread half of the cabbage mixture across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with the entire meat mixture.
- Finish by covering with the remaining cabbage.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Optional crispy top: For crispy cabbage on top, broil for 2–4 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to firm up.
🍒 How to Serve It
Serve hot, accompanied by a generous spoonful of lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce. This is not optional — the tart berries provide the perfect contrast to the savory, caramelized flavors of the casserole. 🇫🇮❤️❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.
🤔 FAQs & Substitutions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground pork, turkey, or a beef/pork blend work wonderfully.Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — substitute the ground beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms.Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
You can leave them out or replace them with oats or gluten-free crumbs if needed, but they help bind the casserole together.💬 Final Thoughts
Kaalilaatikko is a testament to the beauty of simple, traditional cooking — earthy, satisfying, and always comforting. With minimal effort and wholesome ingredients, this Finnish favorite might just become a staple at your table too.