If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want an easier, fuss-free way to enjoy them, the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is your perfect new favorite. This dish brings together tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all layered and baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole offers all the heartiness and warmth of classic stuffed cabbage, without the hassle of rolling each leaf by hand. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a big, homemade hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of the cabbage to the savory spiced beef and the rich tomato base, each element is simple yet indispensable for crafting this delightful casserole.
- Medium head of cabbage: Provides tender, slightly sweet layers that soften beautifully when blanched.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey): Adds hearty, juicy protein and forms the savory backbone of the filling.
- Medium onion, diced: Offers aromatic sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a punch of fragrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Balances the meat and cabbage while adding subtle texture; white, brown, or your favorite will do.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy base for the filling.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds bright texture and enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance acidity and deepen the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings warm, herbal notes that complement the tomato and meat.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of heat and spice.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts on top for golden, bubbly goodness that makes the casserole irresistible.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Dish
Before diving into the filling, start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick and will come out effortlessly after baking. This simple prep ensures everything cooks evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Blanch the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the chopped cabbage. Blanching it for just 2-3 minutes softens the cabbage without turning it mushy. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This step is key — it softens the cabbage while keeping its structure, so each bite has the perfect tender-crisp texture.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and the onions are translucent, roughly 5-7 minutes. This is where the savory base takes shape, bursting with aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
To the beef mixture, add your cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar if you’re using it, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes. This melding period is essential — it lets all the flavors marry, giving the sauce that soulful, homemade taste.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble the Casserole
Now comes the fun part. In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the blanched cabbage evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the beef and rice mixture. Repeat the layering one more time, finishing with the beef mixture on top. This layering mimics traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a much quicker, satisfying casserole form.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This cover traps moisture, allowing the flavors to deepen and the casserole to heat through without drying out. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top if desired, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps everything settle and makes serving neat, satisfying pieces much easier. Grab a big spoon, and prepare to be delighted by your hearty, comforting creation!
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of fresh garnish takes this casserole from delicious to unforgettable. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill brightens the rich tomato and beef flavors. A dollop of sour cream on the side brings a cool, creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the warmth and spices of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, simple sides work best. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette make wonderful companions that complement without competing with the casserole’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins to create personal casseroles boasting those beautiful melted cheese tops. Alternatively, spoon the casserole over a bed of sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables for a colorful plate that’s as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the casserole but skip baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if still chilled from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a whole casserole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. To revive the cheesy topping’s deliciousness, add a few minutes under the broiler at the end for that fresh-out-of-the-oven crispness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to beef that works wonderfully in this casserole. It keeps the dish flavorful and moist, especially when combined with the tomato sauce and seasonings.
Do I have to blanch the cabbage first?
Blanching the cabbage softens it just enough so it becomes tender without losing structure during baking. Skipping this step can result in tougher, less pleasant cabbage layers, so it’s highly recommended.
Is brown sugar necessary in the recipe?
Brown sugar is optional but highly recommended. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness, rounding out the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasonings accordingly, and you’ll have a hearty vegetarian version of the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mild and comforting with herbs like oregano and thyme providing warmth without heat. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table, and this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe does just that. It’s a deliciously easy way to enjoy those classic flavors with half the effort and twice the love. So go ahead — gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and create a casserole that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too!
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Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. This casserole layers blanched cabbage with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious finish. Perfect for a family dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Cabbage
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or your choice)
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 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 it aside to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and blanch it for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and set the blanched cabbage aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat as it browns, until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: To the skillet with the beef mixture, add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar (if using), dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the blanched cabbage, then top with half of the beef and rice mixture. Repeat with another layer of the remaining cabbage and beef mixture, creating two layers total.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set. Slice into portions and serve warm, enjoying all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls made easy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make the dish lighter.
- Brown sugar is optional but adds a nice balance to the acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Use cooked rice leftover from a previous meal or prepare fresh rice to save time.
- Blanching the cabbage softens it, making it easier to layer and eat without rolling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the mozzarella cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
