Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cabbage Roll Casserole takes all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls and transforms them into a simple, layered bake. With seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato sauce, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. It delivers all the taste of classic cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicgreen cabbageuncooked ricecrushed tomatoes tomato saucesaltblack pepperpaprikadried thymeolive oilbeef broth shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and beef broth. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

In the greased baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage, followed by half of the beef mixture, and then half of the uncooked rice. Repeat layers.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.

If using, remove foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 70-80 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or pork for a different protein option.

Add chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.

Top with sour cream or fresh parsley for added flavor.

Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the sauce mix.

storage/reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F until heated through.For longer storage, freeze the casserole (whole or in portions) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, reduce the baking time to about 40-50 minutes and decrease the liquid slightly.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. It freezes well before or after baking. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped.

Do I have to use mozzarella?

No, the cheese is optional. It adds creaminess but isn’t essential.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute ground meat with lentils or a meatless crumble alternative.

Will purple cabbage work?

It can be used, but the flavor and color will differ slightly.

Why is my rice undercooked?

Make sure it’s fully submerged in liquid before baking and cover the dish tightly with foil.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Can I assemble it ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the night before and bake when ready to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all sauces and ingredients used are gluten-free.

Can I add cheese between layers?

Yes, for a richer casserole, sprinkle cheese between each layer.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Casserole is a cozy, satisfying dish that brings together all the flavors of a traditional favorite in an easy-to-make format. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a comforting choice that delivers every time.