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Cabbage Roll Casserole

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  • 4.39 from 26 votes

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cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

Cabbage rolls are often relegated to the list of “too complicated” dishes. With all that rolling, stuffing, and layering, it’s no wonder that most folks forego the dish altogether! But don’t write off the humble cabbage roll just yet – we’ve got a much easier way to enjoy its deliciousness:

An Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole! This quicker-prep alternative tastes every bit as good (or maybe even better!) than traditional cabbage rolls but requires far less time in the kitchen–winning!

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cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

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Why I love this easy love Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe:

  • Cabbage Roll Casserole is a great way to enjoy traditional cabbage rolls without all the labor-intensive rolling up of individual cabbage leaves.
  • This casserole is a budget-friendly meal that makes great use of ground beef or turkey, as well as cabbage and tomato sauce.
  • The texture of the cabbage in the casserole is soft and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness from the cabbage.
  • The casserole is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for an even quicker meal.
  • The best part is, it can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to a simple green salad.
cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

What type of cheese is typically used in this dish?

Typically, this easy cabbage roll casserole is made without any cheese at all. However, it would pair nicely with some mozzarella or parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of cooking. 

cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

What can be served as a side dish with this casserole?

  • Bean salad
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Potatoes
  • Bread or dinner rolls
  • Carrots
  • Green beans

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cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

Ingredients:

  • Head of cabbage chopped
  • Ground beef
  • Uncooked rice
  • Onion chopped
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Cabbage Roll Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Brown the meat in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic to the meat during the last 30 seconds of cooking.

Add the minced garlic to the meat during the last 30 seconds of cooking

Drain any excess fat.

Drain any excess fat.

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cabbage and tomato sauce.

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cabbage and tomato sauce.

Then, add the chopped onions.

add the chopped onions.

Then, add the rice and salt and pepper.

 add the rice and salt and pepper

Lastly, stir the meat into the cabbage mixture.

stir the meat into the cabbage mixture

Step 4. Layer the cabbage and meat mixture in the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.

Layer the cabbage and meat mixture in the bottom of a 9x9 baking dish

Then, add the beef broth.

add the beef broth

Step 5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Step 6. Remove, stir, and cover again. Bake for an additional 15-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.

cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

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Cabbage Roll Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings:
This savory Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect dish for a family dinner or potluck. It's a delicious combination of tender cabbage, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce. The casserole is hearty and filling, and it's easy to make with just a few simple steps. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to please. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
4.39 from 26 votes

Ingredients 

  • ½ Large head of cabbage chopped
  • 1 lb. Ground beef
  • ½ C. Uncooked rice
  • ½ Large onion chopped
  • 15 oz. Can tomato sauce
  • 15 oz. Beef broth
  • 2 tsp. Minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Brown the meat in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic into the meat during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Drain any excess fat.
  • Mix together the cabbage, onion, rice, tomato sauce, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir the meat into the cabbage mixture.
  • Layer the cabbage and meat mixture in the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
  • Remove, stir, and cover again. Bake for an additional 15-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and rice is cooked through.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 746mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Author: Laura

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How long does it take to prepare and cook the casserole?

This cabbage roll casserole recipe takes about an hour and a half to make. It takes a while to bake because it gives the flavors time to marry together as well as helps tenderize the cabbage. 

cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep cooled leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last up to 5 days refrigerated. 

Can the recipe be modified to incorporate other ingredients?

Yes, absolutely! Feel free to toss in some herbs, and veggies, or even top it with some sour cream. It’s fine to add some variety every time you make this easy cabbage roll casserole! 

Can the casserole be frozen for later use?

Yes, make sure it is covered well and freeze it for 2-3 months. It should be thawed in the fridge overnight, and you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot. 

What are some ways to make the dish healthier?

Overall, this cabbage roll casserole is pretty healthy. To get more nutrients, though, go ahead and add your favorite veggies. Tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, or anything else you like can be added. 

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

It’s easy to make this cabbage roll casserole vegetarian. Leave out the ground beef and follow the rest of the directions. It’s an excellent idea! 

What type of dish is best to use for baking the casserole?

You’ll need a 9×9 baking dish unless you are doubling it then you can use a 9×13 baking dish. 

Can the recipe be cooked in a slow cooker?

Yes, and it’s downright delicious! Brown the ground beef as directed, then add the ingredients to the slow cooker. Heat on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. 

Can the casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish entirely and refrigerate it for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze it for 3-4 months. 

Is there a way to make the dish spicier?

Sure, if you want a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. 

Can the cabbage roll casserole be reheated?

Yes, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or it is all the way hot. 

How can I make sure the cabbage roll casserole is cooked properly?

Because you are browning the ground beef at the beginning, you don’t have to worry about safety measures. Instead, you need to cook it until the cabbage is tender. Once it’s a texture you like it can be eaten. This typically takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

cabbage roll casserole, cabbage roll casserole recipe, easy cabbage roll casserole

More Delicious Dinners

Kielbasa Cabbage Potato Skillet – Flavorful and super easy!

Kielbasa Cabbage Potato Skillet

Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry – Tender and delicious.

Shrimp and Cabbage Egg Rolls – Crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Shrimp and Cabbage Egg Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – The dish that inspired this casserole!

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