Cozy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Every home cook loves a hearty cabbage roll casserole that promises comfort and flavor in one delightful dish.

Layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rich tomato sauce create a mouthwatering combination.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with each bite of this classic comfort food.

Simplicity meets satisfaction in this no-fuss recipe that cuts down on traditional rolling time.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you serve this crowd-pleasing casserole straight from the oven.

Home cooking doesn’t get more satisfying than this one-pan wonder that brings everyone to the table.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Cabbage Roll Casserole That’s Simple and Hearty

• A hearty, one-dish meal that transforms traditional cabbage rolls into an easy, delicious casserole perfect for busy families.
• Takes just 20 minutes of active cooking time, with simple layering technique that eliminates complex rolling of individual cabbage rolls.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and rice, making it an economical dinner option that feeds a large group without breaking the bank.
• Packed with protein from beef, fiber from cabbage, and complex carbohydrates from rice, creating a balanced meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its comforting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Ground Beef: Classic protein with rich flavor, choose lean variety for less fat.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat base, fresh yellow onions work best.

• Garlic: Provides aromatic base, fresh minced garlic recommended.
• Paprika: Gives warm color and subtle spice, sweet or smoked varieties work well.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements beef and cabbage, dried version preferred.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates rich, smooth base for meat mixture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Optional ingredient for extra tomato concentration.

• Cabbage: Core vegetable providing structure and nutrition, green cabbage ideal.
• Cooked Rice: Bulk and texture ingredient, white rice recommended.

• Shredded Cheese: Optional melty finish, cheddar or mozzarella work great.

How to Build a Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Onions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat. Sizzle and stir until the meat turns brown and onions become translucent. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer and bubble for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Incorporate the Rice

Stir in the cooked rice and remove the skillet from heat. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• Spread half of the chopped cabbage on the bottom
• Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage
• Repeat with remaining cabbage and meat mixture

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender and soft.

Step 7: Add Cheese (Optional)

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Helpful Tips for Cabbage Roll Casserole Success

• Swap Ground Beef: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to the meat mixture for enhanced complexity and richness.
• Rice Preparation Hack: Use day-old or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushy texture and maintain better structure in the casserole.
• Prevent Watery Result: Drain diced tomatoes thoroughly and pat chopped cabbage with paper towels to remove excess moisture before layering.
• Maximize Nutrition Boost: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or grated carrots into the meat mixture for added vegetables and nutrients.

Best Methods for Keeping Cabbage Roll Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 35 days.
• Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying, warming for 12 minutes until steaming hot.
• Restore casserole's original texture by placing in a preheated 350F oven, covering with foil to prevent moisture loss, heating for 1520 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Wrap cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Complement the hearty, rich flavors of the cabbage roll casserole with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, whose full-bodied profile matches the meat and tomato sauce perfectly.
• Toss a tangy green salad with light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness, providing a fresh and zesty counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Serve warm, rustic bread or garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up the savory tomato sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the soft, comforting dish.
• Select a malty amber ale or dark lager that echoes the casserole's robust flavors, offering a smooth, slightly bitter complement that enhances the overall dining experience.

Variations for Cabbage Roll Casserole You Can Try

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef drippings to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. Ensure all tomato products are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free spices to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini. Reduce tomato sauce quantity and add more herbs to enhance flavor profile while keeping carbohydrate content low.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit cheese topping or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Replace dairy-based ingredients with coconut milk or plant-based alternatives to create a creamy texture without animal products.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Questions Answered

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to season it well and drain any excess moisture.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and verify that your tomato products don’t contain gluten. Always check ingredient labels to be certain.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use cheaper cuts of ground beef, buy cabbage when it’s in season, and look for sales on canned tomato products. These strategies can help reduce the overall cost of the dish.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish comfort shines through this hearty cabbage roll casserole, blending traditional flavors with modern convenience. Layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rich tomato sauce create a satisfying meal that connects families around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Tomato and Rice Base:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
• 2 cups cooked white rice

Optional Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a rectangular baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious skillet, brown the ground beef alongside finely chopped onions, ensuring to eliminate any excess grease for a cleaner flavor profile.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and aromatic seasonings into the meat mixture, creating a rich base of flavors.
4. Pour in tomato products, blending tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a touch of tomato paste to develop a robust, tangy sauce.
5. Sprinkle paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper into the simmering mixture, allowing the spices to meld together for 5-7 minutes.
6. Fold in the pre-cooked rice, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly, then remove the skillet from heat.
7. Create alternating layers in the prepared baking dish, starting with a generous spread of chopped cabbage, followed by an even distribution of the meat and rice combination.
8. Repeat the layering process, ensuring complete coverage of cabbage and meat mixture.
9. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and steam.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to become tender and fully cooked.
11. Remove the foil and optionally sprinkle shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.
12. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to make the dish lower in carbohydrates and suitable for keto diets.
• If watching sodium intake, choose low-sodium tomato sauce and reduce added salt, using herbs and spices for extra flavor instead.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg