Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole offers a comforting twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls by layering a savory ground beef and tomato mixture with tender cabbage and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this hearty dish combines the rich flavors of paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato with fluffy rice for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 1/2 large green cabbage (or 1 small), cored and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to build flavor.
- Add Garlic and Brown Beef: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Simmer Tomato Mixture: Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, tomato puree, and diced tomatoes. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken.
- Combine with Rice: Stir the cooked white rice into the beef and tomato mixture until evenly incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Cabbage: In a separate pan, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Season with the remaining 1 tsp salt.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish lightly with oil. Spread one-third of the beef mixture on the bottom, then layer half of the sautéed cabbage over it. Repeat the layering with another one-third of the beef mixture and the remaining cabbage. Finally, top with the last third of the beef mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook through and meld the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes out of the oven before serving, allowing it to set and making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add cooked lentils or mushrooms.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with the paprika.
- Use freshly cooked rice rather than leftovers for best texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
