Description

This hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each leaf. Layers of savory ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce are baked together in a simple casserole, delivering a warm, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 medium head cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces, core removed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains & Sauce

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
2 cups tomato sauce

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika or herbs (optional)

Optional Toppings

1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan)

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Instructions

Prepare the cabbage: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, removing the tough core. Blanch the cabbage briefly in boiling water or sauté it for a few minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant. This ensures even cooking and tender texture in the casserole.
Cook the filling: In a large skillet, sauté diced onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the cooked rice, seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika/herbs), and half of the tomato sauce.
Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the prepared cabbage evenly on the bottom. Spread the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage, then add the remaining cabbage as the top layer. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce evenly over everything to keep the casserole moist during baking.
Bake to perfection: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. If using cheese, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and continue baking until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Use freshly cooked or preferably day-old rice to avoid a mushy casserole.
Pre-cooking cabbage prevents a watery casserole and ensures even cooking.
Drain excess fat from browned beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
If tomato sauce is very thick, thin it with a bit of beef broth or water before pouring.
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set nicely.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg