Cabbage Roll Casserole
Experience all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling. This hearty, one-pan casserole layers savory ground beef, tender rice, and sweet cabbage, all baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. A perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.
For 6 servings
9 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant
- a.Add the ground beef, 1 teaspoon of salt, and the black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Stir the uncooked rice and paprika into the beef mixture until well combined
- a.Remove from heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- 6
Assemble the casserole
- a.Spread half of the chopped cabbage (about 4 cups) evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the beef and rice mixture, spreading it into an even layer. Spread the remaining cabbage over the beef.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring everything is covered.
- 8
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes
- a.Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese if using, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender, the rice is cooked, and the sauce is bubbly.
- 9
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving
- a.This allows it to set and makes serving easier.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender cabbage, you can quickly blanch the chopped cabbage in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before layering it in the casserole.
- 2Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- 3Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial. It helps the layers set, so it doesn't fall apart when you serve it.
- 4Ensure the sauce covers the casserole completely before baking. This is essential for the rice to absorb enough liquid and cook through.
- 5Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt for a creamy, tangy finish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils or a plant-based ground 'meat' substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
GrainGrain
Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa. If using brown rice, you may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add 1/2 cup of extra broth.
SpiceSpice
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the tomato sauce for a little kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Cabbage is an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Good Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Contains Lycopene
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and known for its heart-health benefits.
High in Fiber
With plenty of cabbage and tomatoes, this dish is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this Cabbage Roll Casserole contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the leanness of the beef and whether you add cheese.