Cabbage Roll Casserole

Craving the hearty, comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but short on time? This Cabbage Roll Casserole is your answer! It delivers all the savory goodness in an easy-to-assemble, deconstructed format, making weeknight meals a breeze. Get ready for a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and a vibrant tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Roll Casserole

There are so many wonderful reasons to make this comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole. This dish brings warmth and deliciousness to your table with minimal effort:

• Effortless Comfort: Enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling process.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with wholesome, affordable ingredients, this casserole is kind to your wallet.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with lean ground beef and tender cabbage, it’s a meal that truly fills you up.
• Rich Flavor Profile: A savory blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, and a robust tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Mostly cooked in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup for busy evenings.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite additions or make it vegetarian.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers throughout the week.
• Family Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore, with its comforting aroma filling your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Your Cabbage Roll Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable casserole. We’ve chosen simple, flavorful components that come together beautifully:

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) of your favorite neutral-flavored oil for sautéing. Butter also works wonderfully for extra richness.
• Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 2 lbs / 900g) green cabbage, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces. Choose a firm, fresh head with crisp leaves.
• Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds (680g) lean ground beef. Using lean beef helps avoid excess grease, but feel free to drain any fat if using a higher-fat content. For a vegetarian option, substitute with a meatless crumble.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium (150g) yellow onion, finely chopped, adding a sweet and aromatic base.
• Garlic: 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, for a pungent flavor boost.
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to perfectly balance the flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can diced tomatoes, undrained, providing chunks of tomato and acidity.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce, to create that rich, saucy texture.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe – A fantastic, lighter twist on this classic dish, perfect for low-carb lifestyles.

Essential Equipment for a Smooth Cook

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing your Cabbage Roll Casserole an absolute breeze. These are the essentials:

• Large Oven-Safe Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish is ideal for baking this casserole evenly.
• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning the beef and wilting the cabbage. A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even cooking.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For safely and efficiently chopping your cabbage, onion, and garlic.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.

Recipe Overview

This Cabbage Roll Casserole is designed for ease and efficiency, bringing a hearty meal to your table without a long wait.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6 generous servings
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Perfect Cabbage Roll Casserole

Making this deconstructed cabbage roll casserole is surprisingly simple, with just a few straightforward steps to a truly comforting meal. Follow along for delicious results!

• STEP 1: PREPARE AND SAUTÉ CABBAGE
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to wilt and soften. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. The cabbage should be tender-crisp. Transfer the wilted cabbage to a large bowl and set aside.
• STEP 2: BROWN THE BEEF AND AROMATICS
  • Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
  • Drain any excess grease if necessary, although lean beef usually requires little draining.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
• STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE SAUCE
  • Stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning with the beef and onion mixture. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• STEP 4: LAYER AND BAKE THE CASSEROLE
  • Combine the sautéed cabbage with the beef and tomato mixture in the large bowl, tossing gently to mix.
  • Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through, and the cabbage is perfectly tender.
• STEP 5: REST AND SERVE
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
  • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, deconstructed flavors of classic cabbage rolls! If the casserole appears a little dry, a splash of beef stock can be added during the last 10 minutes of baking.

CHECK OUT: Hearty and Comforting Cabbage Soup – A perfect warm-up for a chilly evening, packed with wholesome ingredients.

Tips for Success

Elevate your Cabbage Roll Casserole from good to extraordinary with these expert tips:

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• Don’t Overcook Cabbage: Sauté the cabbage just until it begins to wilt, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Ensure your ground beef is deeply browned for maximum flavor. Don’t rush this step!
• Layering is Key: While it’s a “casserole,” mixing the cabbage and beef sauce ensures every bite is flavorful.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your beef and tomato mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to settle and makes for cleaner servings.

Variations & Substitutions

This Cabbage Roll Casserole is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Easily swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat crumble or cooked lentils.
• Add Grains: Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice with the tomato sauce for a more traditional cabbage roll texture and an even heartier meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a subtle kick.
• Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
• Different Cabbage: While green cabbage is standard, savoy or even a mix of green and red cabbage can be used for varied texture and color.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Italian seasoning does not contain gluten additives.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even more special:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious tomato sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For ultimate comfort, pair with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or broccoli offers extra nutrients and a fresh bite.
• Non-Alcoholic Drink: Pair with a glass of sparkling water infused with lemon or a simple iced tea.

Health Benefits

Beyond its incredible taste, this Cabbage Roll Casserole offers several wonderful health benefits, making it a meal you can feel good about:

• Rich in Fiber: Cabbage is an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
• High in Protein: Lean ground beef provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamin Powerhouse: Cabbage and tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that support overall well-being.
• Antioxidant Boost: Tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant beneficial for heart health.
• Nutrient-Dense: Onions and garlic add not only incredible flavor but also various beneficial compounds.

Storage & Reheating

Preparing this Cabbage Roll Casserole makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for quick meals throughout the week:

• How Long Does Cabbage Roll Casserole Last in the Fridge?Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Can I Freeze Cabbage Roll Casserole?Absolutely! Once cooled completely, transfer individual portions or the entire casserole (if using a freezer-safe dish) to airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

• What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. To reheat a larger portion or the whole casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of beef stock or water if it seems dry.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve got answers to some common questions about this versatile and delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole:

• Can I make Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

• What kind of cabbage is best for this casserole?Any type of cabbage works well! While classic cabbage rolls often use savoy cabbage, green or even napa cabbage will be delicious in this deconstructed version.

• Can I add rice to my Cabbage Roll Casserole?Absolutely! Many traditional cabbage rolls include rice. You can stir 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice into the beef and tomato mixture before layering it in the baking dish.

• How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?Ensure you thoroughly brown your ground beef and drain any excess fat. Also, allow the cabbage to wilt sufficiently during sautéing to release some of its moisture.

• Is this recipe spicy?No, the base recipe is mild and family-friendly. You can easily add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick if desired.

  
  

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this comforting casserole, you’ll surely enjoy these other hearty and flavorful recipes:

• Easy Taco Casserole That Makes Weeknights Exciting Again – A fun, flavorful twist on taco night, all baked in one dish.
• Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole That Fixes Busy Weeknights – The ultimate comfort food with tender chicken, rice, and plenty of cheese.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti – Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy cheese create a truly indulgent meal.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the beloved flavors of a timeless classic in a fuss-free package. It’s a truly satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes!

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