If you’ve ever had the pleasure of savoring a classic stuffed cabbage roll, you’re going to fall head over heels for this casserole version. It takes all the flavors of the traditional dish—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce—and combines them in one big, cozy, and easy-to-make casserole. The best part? No rolling! This recipe is for those of us who love comfort food but want to skip the fuss. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that will fill your home with warmth and make everyone at the table feel right at home. Let’s dive into this hearty, no-fuss meal that’s bound to become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something comforting and satisfying that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something hearty for yourself, this casserole is exactly what you need. Here’s why it’s a hit:
Versatile: Serve it as a main course for dinner, or enjoy it as leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s perfect for any time you need a filling meal.
Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like cabbage, rice, and ground beef, this casserole won’t break the bank, yet it tastes like a million bucks.
Quick and Easy: No need to roll individual cabbage leaves—just layer everything in a casserole dish, and you’re good to go!
Customizable: You can swap out the beef for turkey or chicken, or make it vegetarian by using lentils instead of meat.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. Everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients in Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make this cozy casserole:
Cabbage: The star of the dish! It softens and becomes tender as it bakes, infusing the casserole with its flavor while still maintaining a little crunch.
Ground Beef: The savory meat that brings all the richness to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Rice: It adds a little texture and heartiness to the casserole while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics give the dish a savory base and enhance the overall flavor.
Tomato Sauce & Tomato Paste: The rich, tangy base of the casserole that ties everything together.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.
Herbs & Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Bay Leaves): The perfect blend of spices to add warmth and depth to the dish.
Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds a gooey, golden finish if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting casserole:
Prepare the Cabbage: Start by chopping the cabbage into large chunks. You’ll want to remove the core, then chop the leaves into smaller pieces. You can blanch the cabbage in boiling water for 5-7 minutes if you like it extra soft, but this step is optional.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat some oil and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and cook until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Mix the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, bay leaves). Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer the cooked cabbage, rice, and the meat sauce mixture. Repeat the layers until you’ve used everything up, ending with a layer of the meat sauce on top.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese (if desired), and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this hearty, comforting casserole. It’s perfect with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
- You could also add a side of mashed potatoes for even more comfort food goodness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you’re looking to save time, you can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat sauce mixture.
- Don’t skip the cheese on top—it adds a wonderful cheesy crust that finishes off the dish perfectly.
- If you’re using brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before layering it in the casserole.
FAQs
1 Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. For a vegetarian version, substitute with lentils or quinoa.
2 Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
3 Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
4 What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
5 Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes! You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb option.
6 Can I make this dish without cheese?
Of course! The casserole is delicious without the cheese, but it adds an extra layer of richness if you choose to use it.
7 How can I make this spicier?
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce mixture for an extra kick.
8 Can I make this with a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
9 How do I know when the casserole is done?
When the top is bubbly and golden, and the cabbage is tender, it’s done. You can test it by inserting a fork into the center to ensure everything is cooked through.
10 Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free rice or quinoa, and make sure your tomato paste and sauce are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole brings all the flavors of the classic stuffed cabbage rolls with none of the fuss. It’s hearty, comforting, and just the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and satisfied. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this casserole will become a go-to favorite in no time. Enjoy this rich, savory dish and the smiles it brings around the table!
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle. Ground beef, rice, and seasonings are baked with cabbage in a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty, flavorful casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage, then top with half of the beef mixture. Repeat with another layer of cabbage and beef mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- Add a bit of sour cream on top when serving for extra richness.
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg