Beyond convenience, this recipe is also budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed a crowd. It’s an excellent choice for potluck dinners, family gatherings, or when you need to prepare meals in advance. The casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep enthusiasts who want to enjoy homemade comfort food throughout the week.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
This simplified Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the time-consuming preparation. Perfect for busy families, this one-dish meal layers tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rice in a rich tomato sauce. The casserole format makes it incredibly easy to serve and creates the same satisfying taste profile as individual rolls. This recipe serves 6-8 people and is ideal for meal prep, potluck dinners, or any time you’re craving hearty comfort food. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making this an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Storage Options
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container or covered baking dish.
Freezer Storage: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. For frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Summary
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole transforms the beloved traditional dish into an easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. By layering cabbage, seasoned ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce in a casserole dish, you get all the classic flavors without the tedious rolling process. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that serves 6-8 people and can be prepared ahead of time.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Can opener
Ingredients
For the Meat Layer:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Cabbage:
- 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 pounds), cored and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the cabbage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped cabbage and salt, cooking for 8-10 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the meat mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare the sauce: In another bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the casserole: Spread half of the cooked cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the meat mixture, spreading evenly. Add the remaining cabbage on top, then pour the tomato sauce mixture over everything.
- Cover and bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Add toppings: Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs if using. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Rice preparation: Cook 1 cup of rice according to package directions to yield the needed cooked rice. Day-old rice works particularly well in this recipe.
- Cabbage selection: Choose a firm, heavy cabbage head with tightly packed leaves for best results.
- Make-ahead option: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to cooking time if baking from cold.
- Ground meat alternatives: Ground turkey, pork, or a combination can be substituted for beef.
Tips for Success
Properly cook the cabbage: Don’t skip the step of pre-cooking the cabbage. This ensures it’s tender in the final dish and prevents excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
Season generously: The Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole benefits from bold seasoning. Taste your meat mixture before layering and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Use the right rice texture: Slightly undercooked rice works best as it will continue cooking in the casserole. Overcooked rice can become mushy.
Layer strategically: Place the meat mixture in the middle layer to ensure even cooking and prevent it from drying out.
Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set up properly and makes serving much easier.
Additional Tips and Variations
Vegetarian version: Replace ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts for a hearty vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole.
Add vegetables: Diced bell peppers, carrots, or celery can be added to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to give your casserole some heat.
Different cheese options: Try sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella.
Sauce variations: Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for depth, or use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Slow cooker adaptation: This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Layer ingredients as directed and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use instant rice in this recipe? A: While fresh cooked rice is preferred, instant rice can work. Reduce the liquid in your sauce slightly as instant rice absorbs more moisture during cooking.
Q: How do I prevent my Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole from being too watery? A: Pre-cooking the cabbage and using properly cooked (not overcooked) rice are key. Also, ensure your tomato sauce isn’t too thin.
Q: Can this recipe be doubled? A: Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use two 9×13 inch dishes or one very large roasting pan. Cooking time may need to be increased by 15-20 minutes.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. Microwave reheating works but may result in uneven heating.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole before baking? A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking and add 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish? A: Crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement this hearty casserole perfectly.
Conclusion
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By reimagining the traditional preparation method, we’ve created a dish that’s accessible to busy home cooks while maintaining all the beloved flavors of the classic recipe. The layered approach not only saves time but also ensures that every serving contains the perfect balance of tender cabbage, savory meat, fluffy rice, and rich tomato sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or preparing meals for the week ahead, this casserole delivers on all fronts. Its make-ahead friendly nature and excellent reheating properties make it a practical choice for meal planning, while its hearty, satisfying nature ensures it will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe’s flexibility allows for easy customization to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to any recipe collection.
Most importantly, this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole brings people together around the dinner table, creating those precious moments of connection over a warm, nourishing meal. It’s comfort food at its finest – simple, satisfying, and made with love.