Description
This Polish Casserole for Two is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender egg noodles, flavorful kielbasa sausage, and savory sautéed cabbage all baked together with creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly portioned for two, it’s an easy and satisfying homemade meal that blends traditional Polish flavors into a simple casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Meat and Liquids
- 1 cup kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole by the time your ingredients are ready.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, as these will form the base of the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Next, add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook until it is lightly browned and fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage and Season: Stir the shredded cabbage into the skillet along with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains some texture.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, intensifying the flavors and slightly softening the cabbage.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream and cooked egg noodles, mixing until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a small baking dish. Transfer the noodle, sausage, and cabbage mixture into the dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden and melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Substitute Polish sausage with smoked sausage or turkey kielbasa for alternative flavors or lower fat options.
- For an extra flavor boost, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of caraway seeds to the mixture before baking.
- Ensure the cabbage does not overcook in the skillet to retain some texture in the casserole.
- Use full-fat sour cream for the best creaminess and flavor.
