Easy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Crafting a hearty stuffed cabbage roll casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of tender cabbage embrace a savory blend of seasoned ground meat and rice.

Warm spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a nostalgic meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Home cooks adore this dish for its simplicity and robust flavors.

Generations have passed down similar recipes, each with unique regional twists.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this casserole a weeknight champion.

Dive into this delicious tradition and savor every comforting spoonful.

What Makes Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Satisfying

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Transform traditional cabbage rolls into a one-dish wonder that saves you chopping, rolling, and individual serving time.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Pack hearty ground beef, rice, and cabbage into an affordable meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for turkey, add different herbs, or include extra veggies to match your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Nutrition: Combine protein-rich beef, fiber-packed cabbage, and satisfying rice for a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the casserole.

• Cabbage, Onion, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables create a robust and flavorful base for the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: These ingredients add moisture and create a savory sauce for the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Uncooked Rice: A filling grain that absorbs flavors and adds texture to the casserole.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy cheese that provides a golden, melted finish to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright visual touch.

Steps for Baking Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Bring your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Lovingly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a spacious skillet, sizzle the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Companions

Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic.

Let them dance and soften for 2-3 minutes, releasing their delightful fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Introduce Cabbage

Sprinkle chopped cabbage into the skillet.

Gently cook for 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to become tender and slightly wilted.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Symphony

• Uncooked rice
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme

Stir everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, creating a beautiful, rustic landscape of flavors.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop deep, comforting flavors.

Step 8: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top (optional but delicious). Return to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, letting the flavors settle and the dish cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Savory and Hearty Cabbage Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible when cooking ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Use long-grain white rice for best texture; rinse it first to remove excess starch and prevent clumping during baking.
• Chop cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Swap mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile, or use a dairy-free alternative for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for deeper, melded flavors.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Variations to Enjoy

• Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice. Use zucchini noodles as an additional layer for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Style Casserole: Include feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Add oregano, mint, and kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free rice and check tomato sauce labels to ensure no wheat-based additives.

Pairings With Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Franc or Merlot that complements the hearty beef and rich tomato flavors, cutting through the casserole's richness with its tannic structure.
• Prepare a crisp green salad with mixed spring greens, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's warmth and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense, comforting dish.
• Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and add textural variety to the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Storing Cabbage Roll Casserole for Lunch

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this stuffed cabbage roll casserole?

The key ingredients are ground beef, cabbage, rice, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and optional mozzarella cheese for topping.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains rice which is gluten-free, but if you use regular beef broth, it might not be gluten-free. Choose a certified gluten-free beef broth to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef. It will create a lighter version of the casserole while maintaining similar flavors and texture.

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole blends comforting layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rich tomato sauce into a satisfying one-pan meal. Generations of home cooks have cherished this classic dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Base Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice

Seasoning and Liquid Components:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer.
2. In a robust skillet over medium flame, transform ground beef into a rich, caramelized brown, meticulously draining any lingering fat.
3. Introduce diced onion and fragrant garlic, allowing them to dance and soften for approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate shredded cabbage, gently sautéing until it surrenders its crisp texture and becomes slightly limp.
5. Integrate uncooked rice, succulent diced tomatoes, velvety tomato sauce, hearty beef broth, and a harmonious blend of seasonings – salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme – stirring until ingredients meld seamlessly.
6. Elegantly transfer the aromatic mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, uniform distribution.
7. Envelop the dish with aluminum foil, then immerse in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify.
8. Carefully remove the foil, optionally crown with a blanket of mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Allow the casserole a tranquil 10-minute respite before serving, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner option.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to boost fiber and vitamin content.
• Make it gluten-free by replacing regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb alternative.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake, which intensifies flavor and saves time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg