Name: Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: – **Casserole:**; – 1 lb ground beef; – 1 small onion, diced; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 small head of cabbage, chopped; – 1 cup uncooked white rice; – 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; – 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; – 1 ½ cups beef broth; – 1 tsp salt; – ½ tsp black pepper; – 1 tsp paprika; – ½ tsp dried thyme; – **Topping (Optional):**; – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; – 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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If you love stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t love the time it takes to roll them, this casserole is about to become your new best friend. It’s got all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—tender cabbage, flavorful beef, rich tomato sauce—but in an easy, fuss-free casserole form. No rolling, no hassle, just pure comfort food. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is always a winner. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cabbage—nothing fancy, just delicious.

Quick and Easy: No need to roll individual cabbage leaves! This casserole-style version comes together in a fraction of the time.

Customizable: Swap the beef for ground turkey, add extra veggies, or make it spicy with a dash of chili flakes.

Crowd-Pleasing: Hearty, flavorful, and packed with comforting ingredients—this dish is always a hit at the table.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

This casserole is made with simple pantry staples that come together in the most delicious way. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef: Adds rich, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or pork for a different twist.

Cabbage: The star of the dish! It softens as it cooks, soaking up all the incredible flavors.

Rice: Helps make the casserole hearty and filling. White or brown rice both work well.

Onion & Garlic: Essential for that deep, aromatic flavor.

Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich, tangy base that coats everything in saucy goodness.

Beef Broth: Adds extra depth of flavor and keeps the casserole moist.

Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Italian Herbs): Bring everything together with a perfect balance of flavors.

Cheese (Optional, but Highly Recommended!): A sprinkle of cheese on top makes everything even better!

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly baked casserole.

Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Layer the Cabbage and Rice: In a greased baking dish, spread half of the chopped cabbage. Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the cabbage, then pour half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat the layers.

Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.

Add Cheese (Optional but Recommended!): If using cheese, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes, sprinkle cheese on top, and let it melt beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out a big, hearty portion and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

This casserole is already a complete meal, but here are some ways to make it even better:

With a Side of Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce.
Topped with Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the rich flavors.
With a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the heartiness.
Served with Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots or green beans pairs wonderfully.

Additional Tips

Use Pre-Cooked Rice for a Faster Version: If you have leftover rice, you can use it instead of uncooked rice and reduce the baking time by about 20 minutes.
Make It in the Slow Cooker: Just layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Add a Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce adds some heat.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready!
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works great, but you may need to add a little extra broth and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

2. Do I have to pre-cook the cabbage?
Nope! The cabbage softens perfectly as the casserole bakes.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Just store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

5. How do I reheat this casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

7. What’s the best cheese to use on top?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of both work beautifully for a gooey, melty topping.

8. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Quinoa is a great alternative. It cooks faster, so reduce the baking time slightly.

9. How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.

10. Can I cook this in a Dutch oven instead of a baking dish?
Yes! A Dutch oven works great and can go straight from stovetop to oven.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is everything you love about classic cabbage rolls—but without the extra work. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with comforting goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed hit. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite!

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole