Baked Pierogi Casserole (Low-Carb)
The Story Behind the Recipe
Pierogis are a beloved comfort food, known for their soft doughy exterior and flavorful fillings, often bringing back memories of family dinners or festive gatherings. However, traditional pierogis are usually high in carbs due to their flour-based dough, making them unsuitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet. This Baked Pierogi Casserole was developed as a way to enjoy the familiar flavors of pierogis without the carb-heavy consequences.
The goal was to create a dish that captures the essence of pierogis — the cheesy, savory fillings and the comforting, rich taste — while keeping it low in carbohydrates and easy to prepare. By layering a combination of cabbage, cheese, and a creamy sauce, this casserole delivers all the satisfaction of traditional pierogis in a hassle-free, baked format.
Imagine digging into a warm, cheesy casserole with all the deliciousness of pierogis, minus the carbs. This dish not only satisfies cravings for comfort food but also aligns with a low-carb lifestyle, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, meal prepping, or even potlucks where you want to share a healthier option.
Things to Consider
- Cabbage as a Low-Carb Substitute: Cabbage serves as a low-carb replacement for the traditional pierogi dough. It’s important to cook it slightly before layering to ensure it becomes tender in the oven.
- Choosing the Right Cheese: A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese works best for that creamy, cheesy filling reminiscent of traditional pierogis.
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Adding garlic, onion, salt, and pepper will help bring out the familiar flavors of pierogis.
- Creaminess Factor: Adding heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture will enhance the creamy texture and richness of the casserole.
Tips and Tricks
- Pre-Cook the Cabbage: Lightly steam or sauté the cabbage before layering it in the casserole to avoid excess moisture and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Drain Well: If using cooked meats or vegetables with high moisture content, make sure to drain them well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Layer Evenly: For the best texture, layer the ingredients evenly and press them down slightly to create a compact casserole.
- Cheese Topping: For a golden, bubbly top, finish with a layer of cheese and broil for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into large bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, turkey, or sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
