If you’ve ever loved the comforting, hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but wished for an easier, less time-consuming way to enjoy them, you are absolutely going to adore this Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe. It keeps all the warm, savory elements of cabbage, ground beef, and rich tomato sauce layered together in a cozy casserole dish that’s pure comfort food perfection. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish transforms a classic favorite into a weeknight winner everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to gather some simple yet flavorful ingredients that work together to build the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a key role, from the tender cabbage to the zesty tomato base.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, savory backbone with plenty of hearty protein for that classic flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and those irresistible savory notes that blend beautifully.
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped: The star veggie that softens and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup cooked white rice: Offers a tender, fluffy texture that helps make this dish satisfying and filling.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy sauce base to tie everything together.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds body and a burst of fresh tomato taste with bits of texture throughout.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses umami and subtle depth that elevates the savory profile.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Introduces a fragrant herbal kick that perfectly complements the tomato sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Sprinkles a melty, creamy finish for cheesy lovers who want that extra indulgence.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes for easy serving later. These little prep steps get you off on the right foot toward a perfect bake.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This step builds rich, savory flavor as the beef develops some caramelization. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—it keeps the casserole from becoming greasy and keeps the flavors clean.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
To the browned beef, add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook these until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. This gentle cooking mellows their sharpness and lets their sweet, aromatic qualities shine through in every bite.
Step 4: Wilt the Cabbage
Next, stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking until it just starts to soften, about 5 minutes. This step helps the cabbage meld with the beef and onions, releasing its natural sweetness and reducing any bitterness — the texture at this point should still have a slight bite.
Step 5: Mix the Tomato Rice Sauce
Grab a bowl and combine the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where tangy, savory, and herbaceous flavors fuse perfectly, promising a moist and flavorful middle layer in your casserole.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Start by spreading half of your cabbage and beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the rice and tomato mixture on top. Finally, cover everything with the remaining cabbage-beef blend. These layers build that classic cabbage roll experience, made simpler and just as scrumptious.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This gentle cooking time allows all the flavors to marry and the cabbage to become tender without drying out the casserole. Patience here is super rewarding!
Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
If you’re a cheese fan, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. This final step creates a beautifully melted, bubbly cheesy crust that adds an irresistible richness and golden color.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream can brighten the plate and add a creamy contrast to the tangy tomato and hearty beef. A little sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top can also enhance the rustic vibe and give that fresh-ground punch.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides such as a green salad or steamed green beans. A buttered dinner roll or crusty bread can help mop up the delicious sauce, making every bite more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also layer it in Mason jars for a rustic picnic or potluck. Adding a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving provides an inviting and elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish actually develops even better flavor after sitting, so leftovers can be just as delightful — if not more — than fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cool completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or a large single dish covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a few minutes to the reheating time with foil on helps keep it moist. If you included cheese on top, you might want to broil it briefly to refresh that melty crust.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe for a lighter option. Just be sure to cook it fully and drain any excess fat before layering to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep the hearty texture. You can also add extra seasoning to maintain depth of flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake as instructed—this actually helps the flavors meld even more.
What type of rice works best for this casserole?
White rice is classic and tender here, but you can also use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure the rice is cooked fully before mixing into the casserole.
Can I skip the cheese topping?
Of course! Cheese adds a lovely melty finish, but the casserole is flavorful and satisfying even without it. You can also try other cheeses like mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan for variation.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves cozy, comforting meals with minimal fuss. It celebrates those beloved cabbage roll flavors in an easy, family-friendly format that’s perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and watch how quickly this dish becomes a staple in your kitchen—you’re going to fall in love all over again.
Print
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
This comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a simple, layered casserole dish. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato sauce combine for an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Topped with melted cheddar cheese for added richness, it’s a delicious twist on a classic recipe that’s baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned thoroughly. Once done, drain off any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking until it softens slightly and wilts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare Tomato and Rice Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the casserole.
- Layer Cabbage-Beef Mixture: Spread half of the cabbage and beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first layer.
- Add Rice-Tomato Mixture: Pour and spread the rice and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the first layer of cabbage and beef.
- Top with Remaining Cabbage-Beef: Add the remaining cabbage and beef mixture on top to complete the layering.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to cook fully.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Make sure to slightly wilt the cabbage in the skillet before baking to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and the cabbage is tender.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes in the tomato sauce mixture can add a nice subtle heat if desired.
