If you love comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and totally nostalgic, then buckle up, my friend—this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is about to become your new go-to. It takes everything you love about classic cabbage rolls—tender meat, rice, tangy tomato sauce, and sweet cabbage—and turns it into a cozy, no-fuss casserole that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
This one’s got that old-school charm but with a weeknight-friendly twist. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, and trust me, your kitchen is going to smell AMAZING while it’s baking.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: It’s great for meal prep, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry and fridge staples—no fancy ingredients required.
Quick and Easy: All the flavor of cabbage rolls, none of the rolling or fuss.
Customizable: Swap in ground turkey or cauliflower rice if you’d like to lighten things up.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it layers classic, wholesome ingredients into one delicious bite:
Ground Beef: Rich and hearty, it adds that meaty, savory depth we love in cabbage rolls.
Cabbage: Chopped and sautéed until tender—it’s the soul of the dish, adding a natural sweetness.
Cooked Rice: Soaks up all the flavor and helps create that comforting, casserole texture.
Onion and Garlic: Aromatic, flavorful, and essential for building that crave-worthy base.
Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a little tang, a little sweetness, and all the saucy goodness.
Tomato Sauce: Keeps things saucy and helps everything bake together beautifully.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Oregano): These little guys do the heavy lifting in the flavor department.
Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of melty cheese on top adds an extra layer of comfort.
(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 flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and seasonings. Let it simmer so all those flavors mingle.
Sauté the Cabbage: In another pan, cook the chopped cabbage until slightly softened—don’t overdo it; it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Prepare your baking dish by greasing it lightly with oil or cooking spray. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
Assemble the Dish: Layer half the sautéed cabbage on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of the meat mixture, then repeat with the rest of the cabbage and meat. Spread everything evenly for consistent cooking. Top with cheese if using.
Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A crusty slice of sourdough bread or garlic toast
- A fresh cucumber-dill salad or simple green salad
- A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top
- Pickles or sauerkraut on the side for a tangy kick
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use leftover rice to cut down prep time.
- Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Swap beef for turkey or plant-based meat to suit your preferences.
- Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead and bake it when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers.
3. Can I use uncooked rice?
It’s best to use cooked rice for even texture, but parboiled rice can work in a pinch.
4. What type of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage works perfectly, but Napa cabbage or savoy are great too.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally! Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
7. Is it spicy?
Not at all—but you can spice it up if you like with chili flakes or hot sauce.
8. Can I use cheese inside the casserole too?
Yes! Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
9. Do I need to cover it while baking?
Nope! It bakes uncovered to get that slightly crispy top.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase bake time slightly.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is pure comfort in a pan—hearty, cozy, and loaded with nostalgic flavor. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, and it’s so easy to pull together, you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something homemade and soul-soothing, this one’s a keeper.
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 1hr30min
- Total Time: 1hr50min
- Yield: 8servings
- Category: MainCourse
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. Layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato sauce come together in a comforting, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
– 2 onions, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup water
– 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups shredded cabbage
– 8 slices bacon
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onions, and garlic; cook until beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in water, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the shredded cabbage, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers.
5. Cover the casserole with bacon slices.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and casserole is bubbly.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
– To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
– This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8recipe
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 813mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 83mg