Cabbage Roll Casserole welcomes you with the nostalgia of homemade comfort food—imagine tender cabbage mingling with savory ground beef, fluffy rice and a rich tomato sauce, all crowned with gooey melted mozzarella. Each bite feels like a hug around your taste buds, thanks to a blend of garlic, onion, paprika and a dash of Worcestershire magic. It’s the perfect weeknight hero or cozy weekend treat, ready in one baking dish and sending warm aromas through your kitchen. No fuss, just layers of deliciousness waiting to become your family’s new favorite tradition.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Comfort food that warms your soul.
- Easy one-pan meal for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with flavor from savory spices.
- Nutritious cabbage packed with vitamins.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small saucepan, boil 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 beef bouillon cube over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of minute rice, cover, and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the grease, return the beef to the pot, and add 1 finely diced medium yellow onion and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add ÂĽ cup of water, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 14.5 ounces of petite diced tomatoes (undrained), and 15 ounces of tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked rice into the sauce mixture and remove from heat. Set aside.
- In a separate large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped cabbage, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage is slightly tender.
- Add the cooked cabbage to the meat and rice mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Dump the cabbage mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Top with 2½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is starting to brown and the casserole juices are bubbling on the sides.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole that your whole family will love!
- 1 cup water – for cooking rice
- 2 tablespoons butter – for flavor and richness
- 1 beef bouillon cube – adds savory depth
- 1 cup minute rice – quick-cooking rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 pound ground beef – the main protein
- 1 medium yellow onion – finely diced for sweetness
- 1 tablespoon garlic – minced for flavor
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley – for herby notes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – extra garlic flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances the onion taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for color and spice
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs
- 1½ teaspoons salt – to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper – adds a bit of heat
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional for heat
- ¼ cup water – to thicken sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes – canned for convenience
- 15 ounces tomato sauce – base for the sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking cabbage
- 1 head cabbage – cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt – to season cabbage
- ½ teaspoon pepper – adds flavor
- 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness to cabbage
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese – shredded for topping
- Chopped parsley – optional for garnish
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
This delightful Cabbage Roll Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that brings the family together. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, cooking time of 55 minutes, and a little extra time for the flavors to meld, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step 1: Boil and Prepare Rice
In a small saucepan, boil 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 beef bouillon cube over medium-high heat. Remove from heat, stir in 1 cup of minute rice, cover, and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the grease, return the beef to the pot, and add 1 finely diced medium yellow onion and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Stir in ½ teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 5: Simmer Sauce
Add ÂĽ cup of water, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 14.5 ounces of petite diced tomatoes (undrained), and 15 ounces of tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Rice and Sauce
Stir the cooked rice into the sauce mixture and remove from heat. Set aside.
Step 7: Cook Cabbage
In a separate large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped cabbage, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage is slightly tender.
Step 8: Combine Cabbage and Meat Mixture
Add the cooked cabbage to the meat and rice mixture. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: Spread in Baking Dish
Dump the cabbage mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Top with 2½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 10: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is starting to brown and the casserole juices are bubbling on the sides.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 55 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 75 minutes |
| Dietary | Beef |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot and bubbly with melted cheese! |
Pro Tips for Making Cabbage Roll Casserole
- For added flavor, sauté the onions until caramelized before adding them to the meat.
- Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness before serving.
How to Serve this Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Pair with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Enjoy with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Cabbage Roll Casserole can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment:
Storing Cabbage Roll Casserole Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Check that it’s heated through before serving.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. How do you make a simple cabbage roll casserole?
To make a simple cabbage roll casserole, start by cooking ground beef with onions and garlic in a large pot. Then, add seasonings, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Cook rice separately and mix it into the meat mixture. In another skillet, sautĂ© chopped cabbage until tender. Combine the cabbage with the meat and rice mixture, transfer it to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s a straightforward and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls!
2. What is the secret ingredient in cabbage rolls?
The secret ingredient in cabbage rolls often varies by recipe, but many people swear by adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce or a hint of smoked paprika for depth of flavor. Some also like to include a bit of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. These small additions can elevate the dish and give it that extra special taste that makes cabbage rolls so comforting and delicious!
3. How to make lazy man’s cabbage rolls?
To make lazy man’s cabbage rolls, you can skip the rolling and layering process. Simply cook ground beef with onions and garlic, then mix in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. In a separate pan, sautĂ© chopped cabbage until tender, then combine everything in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until heated through. This method saves time and effort while still delivering all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls!
4. What sauce do you put on cabbage rolls?
Typically, cabbage rolls are served with a tomato-based sauce, which can be made from canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, or even a homemade marinara. Some people like to add a bit of sweetness with brown sugar or a splash of vinegar for tang. You can also use a creamy sauce or a simple broth if you prefer a lighter option. The sauce enhances the flavors and keeps the rolls moist and delicious!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the heartwarming flavors of this Cabbage Roll Casserole! It’s a simple, satisfying dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. With its layers of savory meat, tender cabbage, and gooey cheese, every bite is a delight. So gather your loved ones, whip up this comforting bake, and enjoy the smiles it brings!