This Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting dish packed with layers of cabbage, ground meat, and rice all baked in a tasty tomato sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Who needs to roll cabbage when you can just throw it all in a dish? I love that it’s simple to make, and it tastes even better as leftovers. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: I recommend using green cabbage for its mild flavor and tender leaves. You can also experiment with savoy cabbage if you like a slightly sweeter taste and a different texture.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. If you want to go meatless, you could use lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, making it suitable for vegetarians!
Rice: I prefer using white rice, but brown rice works too. Just remember to cook it ahead of time as it takes longer to cook. Quinoa is another great substitute that adds a nice nutty flavor!
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for the nice meltiness, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or even a lactose-free cheese if needed.
How Do You Get the Cabbage Just Right?
Cooking the cabbage so it’s tender is an important step. Instead of raw cabbage, you could lightly blanch it before adding it to the casserole. This helps it cook through better.
- Chop the cabbage and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cabbage and cook for about 2-3 minutes, then drain.
- It helps with the texture and makes mixing easier!
Another option is to sauté the cabbage in a skillet with a bit of oil until it wilts. This adds flavor too!
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour total (45 minutes baking plus an additional 10–15 minutes to melt the cheese). It’s perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and is ready to bake as soon as you finish assembling it.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This creates a delicious base for your dish.
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Aim to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
4. Add the Flavor:
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Combine the Cabbage and Rice:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, cooked rice, and half of the meat mixture. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
6. Layer the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spoon half of the cabbage-rice mixture and spread it evenly across the bottom. Then, pour the remaining meat mixture over this layer. Finally, top with the rest of the cabbage and rice mixture, flattening it out gently.
7. Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the cabbage to cook down and the flavors to develop.
8. Add Cheese:
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before diving in. This helps it to set and makes for easier serving!
Enjoy this hearty and comforting casserole that tastes just like classic cabbage rolls without all the fuss! It’s perfect for leftovers too!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. You can also try using ground chicken or even meat substitutes like lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
What Can I Use Instead of Cabbage?
If you’re not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them finely, and remember that cooking times may vary slightly since these greens wilt differently.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight out of the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well if you want to save some for later!