If you’ve ever fallen in love with the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but dread the painstaking rolling process, then this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine all the hearty goodness of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, fragrant herbs, and rich tomato sauce layered and baked to bubbly perfection in one dish. It’s an easy-to-make, cozy casserole that brings the essence of classic comfort food to your dinner table without any fuss, making weeknight meals feel a little more special and every bite loaded with nostalgic warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. You’ll find a lovely combination of hearty proteins, fresh vegetables, and pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Every item on this list helps build that classic taste you crave, whether it’s the juicy ground beef or the tangy tomato sauce that makes your mouth water.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped: The star veggie that softens up beautifully when blanched, providing a mild crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option): Adds rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture to the casserole.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lifts the overall flavor profile with its aromatic punch.
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or your choice): Acts as a comforting filler that soaks up all those delicious tomato flavors.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Provides a luscious, slightly tangy base for the sauce layer.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh tomato bites, enhancing the sauce complexity.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the dish a rich and thick consistency.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness): Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes with a subtle caramelized note.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Infuses a slightly peppery, earthy herbal aroma throughout the casserole.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds fragrant floral and minty undertones that complement the meat beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, pulling the dish together.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives just a gentle spicy kick.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping): Melts to bubbly, golden perfection, giving the casserole a luscious finishing touch.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake the casserole evenly once you’ve assembled it. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze later on.
Step 2: Blanch the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chopped cabbage. Blanch it for just 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes tender but still holds shape. This step softens the cabbage without turning it mushy. Drain well and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, then toss in your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef as it browns until no pink remains and the onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This mixture creates the hearty meat base that’s bursting with savory flavors.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar (if you’re using it), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Mix everything thoroughly, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows all those delicious herbs and tomatoes to meld together, building the classic taste you expect from stuffed cabbage.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Now to bring it all home — layer half of your blanched cabbage into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top it with half of the beef and rice mixture. Repeat one more layer of cabbage and finish with the remaining beef mixture. Layering creates that beautiful casserole structure with flavors in every bite.
Step 6: Bake and Add Cheese
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake it for 30 minutes. When it’s done, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then pop it back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Give your casserole a few minutes to rest after baking so the layers settle nicely. This makes slicing easier and allows the flavors to continue mingling before you dive in for that first warm, satisfying bite.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich tomato sauce and cheesy topping wonderfully. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also be a delightful cooling contrast to the savory layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables creates a perfectly balanced meal. For an extra touch of comfort, buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread are fantastic companions that soak up every bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or bringing this casserole to a potluck, consider scooping it into individual ramekins for charming single servings. Alternatively, top each slice with a sprinkle of feta cheese or a drizzle of tangy hot sauce for a new twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s fully cooked and cooled. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes to retain moisture and keep the cheese luscious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works wonderfully in this casserole, keeping it light while still delicious. Just be sure not to overcook the turkey to maintain tenderness.
Do I need to blanch the cabbage?
Blanching softens the cabbage to match the texture of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls and helps make layering easier. Skipping this step may result in a crunchier, less tender casserole.
Is it necessary to add cheese on top?
Cheese is optional but highly recommended for that melty, golden finish. If you prefer a dairy-free or lower-fat version, you can skip it without sacrificing the overall taste.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a bit of extra time if it’s straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have rice?
If you’re out of rice, try substituting with cooked quinoa, barley, or even small pasta like orzo. Each will add a different texture, but all will absorb the flavors nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe has truly become a go-to for easy, comforting family dinners that don’t require complicated rolling or fussing. It captures the heart of a beloved classic while offering the simplicity of a baked casserole. I encourage you to try it out — once you do, you’ll understand why it quickly earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation for cozy nights at home.
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and comforting Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. A simplified twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this casserole is hearty, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or your choice)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and blanch for about 2-3 minutes, just until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until the beef is cooked through and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar (if using), oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the blanched cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef and rice mixture. Repeat with another layer of cabbage and the remaining beef mixture.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (if using), and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version.
- Brown sugar is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tomato acidity.
- Use any type of cooked rice you prefer; white, brown, or wild rice all work well.
- If you want a cheesier top, consider adding extra mozzarella or a blend of cheeses.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all canned goods and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
