Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Casserole takes the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls and transforms them into a convenient and delicious casserole dish. This comforting meal features tender layers of cabbage, ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together into a hearty, flavorful casserole. It’s the perfect combination of savory ingredients wrapped up into one easy-to-make, satisfying dish.

Traditional cabbage rolls can be time-consuming to prepare, as they require individually wrapping the filling in cabbage leaves. This casserole skips the hassle of rolling each cabbage leaf and instead layers the ingredients into a baking dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

This guide will walk you through each step of the process, provide helpful tips for success, and offer variations to customize the casserole to your liking. Let’s dive into making a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Comforting and Hearty: Cabbage Roll Casserole combines all the cozy, savory flavors of the classic stuffed cabbage rolls. With layers of tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, rice, and a tangy tomato sauce, every bite is packed with comfort.
• Simplified and Time-Saving: This casserole provides the same great taste as traditional cabbage rolls, but without the labor-intensive process of wrapping individual rolls. It’s a quicker and easier alternative that saves you time in the kitchen.
• One-Dish Meal: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish, making it a hassle-free meal with minimal clean-up afterward. The perfect choice for busy nights or when you want to prepare a meal in advance.
• Customizable to Your Taste: You can adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences. Add extra vegetables, swap in different proteins, or play with the seasonings to create a version that’s perfect for you.
• Family-Friendly: This casserole is full of flavor but simple enough to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a great meal to serve to kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Roll Casserole:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, if preferred)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage

Start by prepping the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You want the cabbage pieces to be small enough that they can layer well in the casserole, but large enough to hold up during baking.

Once the cabbage is chopped, you need to soften it. To do this, steam or blanch the cabbage. You can steam it by placing it in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes tender. Alternatively, you can blanch the cabbage by boiling it in salted water for about 2-3 minutes. Drain the cabbage and set it aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. If you’re using lean beef, you may not need to drain the fat. However, if you’re using a fattier beef, drain any excess fat before continuing.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The garlic should become fragrant but not burnt. This step enhances the flavor of the meat and gives the dish an aromatic base.

3. Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

Once the beef, onion, and garlic are cooked, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

4. Combine the Rice and Cabbage

Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice and the blanched or steamed cabbage. Stir to combine these two ingredients. The rice adds a hearty element to the casserole, while the cabbage gives it that signature cabbage roll flavor.

Add the beef and tomato mixture to the bowl and stir everything together. The beef mixture will coat the cabbage and rice, giving the casserole its rich, savory flavor. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed, as this will ensure an even distribution of flavors when baking.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the cabbage, rice, and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Once the casserole is in the dish, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese) over the top. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious layer on top of the casserole as it bakes.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be fully melted, and the casserole should be heated through.

If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

7. Cool and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to slice. Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy the savory, comforting flavors in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice from another meal, this is a great way to use it up. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
• Blanching vs. Steaming Cabbage: Both blanching and steaming the cabbage work well in this casserole. Blanching gives it a softer texture, while steaming preserves more of the cabbage’s natural flavor and crunch.
• Use Ground Turkey for a Lighter Option: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. The flavor will still be rich, and the turkey or chicken will provide a leaner alternative.
• Add More Vegetables: You can sneak in more vegetables if desired. Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the beef and tomato mixture. These additions will add flavor and texture while increasing the nutritional value of the casserole.
• Make It Ahead of Time: Cabbage Roll Casserole can be assembled the day before and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it a great make-ahead meal.

Variations of Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Casserole: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based protein such as lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or peas to boost the flavor.
• Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Casserole: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice to reduce the carbs. This version still retains the same delicious flavors and textures without the extra carbs.
• Spicy Cabbage Roll Casserole: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This will give the casserole a nice spicy kick.
• Cheesy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Increase the amount of cheese on top of the casserole for a gooey, cheesy version. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of different cheeses for added richness.
• Ground Pork Cabbage Roll Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for ground pork for a slightly different flavor. Ground pork adds a richer taste and pairs well with the cabbage and tomato sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cabbage Roll Casserole is great for leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

If you’d like to freeze the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 hour, or until fully heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cabbage Roll Casserole

Pair this hearty casserole with complementary dishes to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would complement the savory flavors of the casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving even more comfort, serve the casserole alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

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Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Casserole takes the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and simplifies them into an easy, one-dish meal. With tender cabbage, savory beef, seasoned rice, and a rich tomato sauce, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy nights, family gatherings, or meal prep. It’s a filling, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this Cabbage Roll Casserole—you’ll be making it again and again!