Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe: Hearty and Delicious

Imagine enjoying the comforting taste of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of wrapping each one. A cabbage roll casserole delivers all the hearty flavors in a simplified form.

Start by browning beef with onions, then layer it with cabbage and tomatoes. Let the oven work its magic, filling your kitchen with a promising aroma.

The key is to balance tenderness and flavor in every bite. Simple tips can elevate this dish to a family favorite.

Let's uncover the secrets that make this recipe truly stand out.

Key Takeaways

• The casserole combines traditional cabbage roll flavors with a time-saving, layered format.
• It features layers of cabbage, ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce for heartiness.
• The dish is ideal for meal prepping and reheats well, improving in flavor over time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, layer ingredients, and bake covered for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• The casserole can be assembled in advance and adjusted for baking time if chilled.

Recipe

Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delightful twist on the traditional cabbage rolls, offering the same hearty flavors without the hassle of rolling each individual portion. This dish is perfect for those who crave comfort food but are pressed for time, as it simplifies the process with a layered casserole approach.

The combination of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, makes this recipe a family favorite and an excellent option for meal prepping. By assembling these ingredients into a casserole, you get to enjoy the classic flavors of cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time.

The dish isn't only easy to prepare but also stores and reheats well, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing meals in advance, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 large can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by browning the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture and half of the cooked rice. Pour half of the crushed tomatoes evenly over these layers. Repeat the process with the remaining cabbage, beef mixture, rice, and crushed tomatoes.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the casserole is heated through. For best results, ensure the cabbage is chopped into consistent, bite-sized pieces to promote even cooking.

This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just remember to add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time if it's been chilled. After removing the casserole from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

Cooking Steps

Get ready to create a delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole by starting with a preheated oven set to 350°F.

Brown the ground beef with diced onion in a large skillet, draining any extra fat for a leaner dish.

Begin layering by placing half of the chopped cabbage into your baking dish, followed by half the meat mixture and half the crushed tomatoes, then repeat the layers to build a hearty, flavor-packed meal.

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

To kick off your cabbage roll casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the essential first step in creating a cozy, delicious dish that your family will love.

Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly and develops those rich, hearty flavors we all crave in comfort food. As you set the oven, you'll feel the anticipation build, knowing that soon your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of a satisfying meal.

Don't skip this step! It might seem simple, but a properly heated oven is crucial for achieving that perfect, tender texture in your cabbage and meat layers.

While the oven warms up, you can focus on gathering your ingredients and preparing for the next steps in this delightful recipe.

Step 2. Brown Beef With Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with the diced onion.

Get ready to experience the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as the beef browns and the onion softens, releasing its natural sweetness.

Stir the mixture frequently, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, ensuring even cooking.

You'll want the beef to be fully browned and the onion to become translucent, which takes about 7-10 minutes.

This step is crucial, as it builds the flavorful base for your cabbage roll casserole.

Once you've achieved that perfect brown, be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.

This technique keeps your casserole light and lets those delicious flavors shine through!

Step 3. Layer Half the Chopped Cabbage

Now that your beef and onion mixture is ready, it's time to build the base of your casserole.

Begin by spreading half of your chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Imagine the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen as the cabbage softens and mingles with the other ingredients.

Make sure the cabbage pieces are consistent in size, ensuring they cook evenly and blend harmoniously with the rest of the dish. This layer of cabbage acts as a sturdy foundation, absorbing flavors while maintaining a tender texture.

You're setting the stage for a mouthwatering casserole that combines the essence of cabbage rolls with a straightforward, comforting approach. Dive in and savor the process!

Step 4. Add Half the Crushed Tomatoes

With the first layer of cabbage snugly in place, reach for the can of crushed tomatoes to add a burst of flavor to your casserole.

Pour half of the rich, red tomatoes evenly over the cabbage, letting their tangy juices seep into every nook and cranny. This step is crucial, as the tomatoes infuse the dish with a hearty, comforting taste that complements the savory meat and tender cabbage beautifully.

As you pour, imagine the layers melding together, creating a symphony of flavors that'll have everyone at the table eager for a taste. The vibrant color and robust aroma of the tomatoes set the stage for the deliciousness to come, ensuring your casserole comes out of the oven perfectly flavorful and satisfying.

Step 5. Layer Remaining Ingredients

Proceed by layering the remaining ingredients to complete your casserole masterpiece.

First, spread the rest of the chopped cabbage evenly over the existing layers.

Feel the anticipation of flavors coming together as you add the remaining half of the ground beef and onion mix.

Next, gently scatter the rest of the cooked rice, ensuring it covers the meat mixture evenly.

Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes over everything, letting the rich sauce seep into each layer.

This step is essential for the flavors to meld beautifully during baking.

Embrace the simplicity and joy of this process, knowing you're crafting a dish that's not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying.

Once layered, cover your creation with foil and get ready to bake!

Final Thoughts

As you savor each bite of the Cabbage Roll Casserole, you'll appreciate how this dish captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss.

It's a comforting blend of flavors that makes meal times special, whether you're enjoying it alone or sharing with family. The rich tomato base, tender cabbage, and savory ground beef come together perfectly, offering a hearty meal that doesn't demand hours in the kitchen.

You'll find that preparing this casserole is straightforward, yet the taste is anything but simple. It's a dish that invites warmth and satisfaction, ideal for cozy evenings.

Plus, the casserole's ability to taste even better the next day makes it a meal prep hero. You'll love the ease and deliciousness it brings to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Meat?

Absolutely, you can substitute ground beef with other meats in a cabbage roll casserole!

Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work wonderfully and add their unique flavors. Each option brings a different twist, so feel free to experiment.

Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly with the onions before layering it in the casserole.

This flexibility lets you tailor the dish to your taste preferences, ensuring a delightful and hearty meal every time!

What Type of Rice Works Best for This Casserole?

For this casserole, you'll want to use a rice that holds up well during baking, like long-grain white or brown rice.

Both types absorb flavors beautifully and maintain a nice texture without getting mushy. Jasmine or basmati rice can add a delightful aroma, elevating the dish even more.

Precook the rice to ensure it's perfectly tender when combined with the savory meat, cabbage, and tomato layers.

Enjoy the comforting goodness!

How Can I Make the Dish Vegetarian?

Imagine transforming a hearty classic into a vegetarian delight!

Swap the ground beef for hearty lentils or crumbled tofu, and savor the same rich flavors. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance the dish's depth.

Add mushrooms for an umami boost, giving each bite a satisfying texture. This simple veggie twist maintains the casserole's appeal, ensuring every family member can enjoy a comforting, meat-free meal.

You'll love it!

Can I Freeze the Casserole After Baking?

Absolutely, you can freeze the casserole after baking!

Once it's cooled, cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. This makes it easy to grab a serving whenever you're craving that hearty flavor.

Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave.

This convenient method ensures you enjoy a homemade meal anytime!

What Sides Pair Well With Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Pairing sides with this dish is like finding the perfect dance partner—each should complement the other.

Consider serving it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the hearty flavors.

Mashed potatoes can add a creamy texture, while roasted vegetables bring a delightful crunch.

A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the experience, making your meal not just satisfying, but truly memorable.