If you love the comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but are short on time, then Cabbage Roll Casserole is going to be your new best friend. It’s all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls, but in casserole form—no rolling required! This dish layers tender cabbage, savory beef, and a tangy tomato sauce, baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. Trust me, it’s like a warm, hearty hug in a dish. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for those days when you want something cozy and comforting without all the fuss.
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Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Casserole
This recipe is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a life-saver on busy days! Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Easy to Make: Skip the rolling and wrapping, and just layer everything in a casserole dish. It’s way less work, but the flavors are just as amazing!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this one. The combo of beef, cheese, and tender cabbage is universally adored.
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food—filling, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings or Sunday dinners.
- One-Pot Wonder: With just one dish to prepare and bake, this casserole makes cleanup a breeze. More time to relax and enjoy your meal!
- Versatile: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Need a dairy-free version? Swap the cheese for a non-dairy alternative.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole—each layer adds a different dimension of flavor:
- Ground Beef: The base of the casserole, providing savory, rich flavor. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Cabbage: The star of the show! Sautéed cabbage adds a sweet, mild flavor and tender texture to the dish.
- Rice: Adds substance and helps absorb all the delicious flavors. Long-grain white rice works best, but you can use brown rice for an even heartier dish.
- Tomato Sauce: The tangy tomato sauce binds everything together and adds the perfect amount of acidity.
- Onion: Chopped onion gives the dish sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds flavor and fragrance, making everything taste even better.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese on top adds a rich finish. Feel free to use mozzarella for a milder flavor or a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, ensuring everything is perfectly balanced.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now let’s walk through the steps to make this casserole:
1. Brown the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook until it begins to soften and wilt, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Combine Rice and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the cooked rice and tomato sauce, making sure everything is well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
5. Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Start by layering half of the cabbage mixture on the bottom of the dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef. Repeat the layers, ending with the beef on top.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it with a side salad or a piece of crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Crisp Green Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad to add a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any sauce or melted cheese left on your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to round out the meal and add some extra nutrition.
- As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is so satisfying that it doesn’t need any sides at all. Just serve it as is, and let it shine.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
- Swap the Meat: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add extra veggies or beans.
- Use Leftover Rice: This is a great recipe for using up leftover rice. Just add it to the casserole as usual, and it’ll save you even more time.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes really well. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake until heated through.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! Mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of cheeses will work great. Choose your favorite!
Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the meat and load up on more veggies or add beans for protein.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q5: Can I use different vegetables?
A5: Of course! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the casserole for added color and nutrition.
Q6: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A6: Yes! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure to cook it before adding it to the casserole.
Q7: Can I freeze this casserole?
A7: Yes, this casserole freezes wonderfully! Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q8: How long should I bake it?
A8: Bake the casserole covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Q9: Can I use a different kind of meat?
A9: Yes! Ground turkey or sausage would work well in this recipe. Just adjust the seasonings as needed.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just use a larger casserole dish and increase the baking time slightly to ensure everything cooks through evenly.
Conclusion
Cabbage Roll Casserole is everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls but without the hassle. It’s comforting, cheesy, and hearty—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a cozy meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Print
Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious casserole inspired by traditional cabbage rolls, packed with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and shredded cabbage. This easy recipe makes for a comforting, one-pan meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the browned beef mixture, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, rice, shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well.
- Bake:
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the foil and let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Include chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms along with the onion.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
- Make it Heartier: Use ground beef and pork for extra flavor.
- Creamy Touch: Stir in a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the tomato mixture before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg