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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer.
- In a robust skillet over medium flame, transform ground beef into a rich, caramelized brown, meticulously draining any lingering fat.
- Introduce diced onion and fragrant garlic, allowing them to dance and soften for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage, gently sautéing until it surrenders its crisp texture and becomes slightly limp.
- 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.
- Elegantly transfer the aromatic mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, uniform distribution.
- Envelop the dish with aluminum foil, then immerse in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify.
- 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.
- 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