Description
This Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a convenient, deconstructed format. Featuring seasoned lean ground beef, tender wilted cabbage, and a vibrant tomato sauce, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
1 medium (about 2 lb / 900g) green cabbage, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1.5 pounds (680g) lean ground beef
1 medium (150g) yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
1 (28 ounce / 794g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted and softened. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Transfer the cabbage to a large bowl and set aside.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine the sautéed cabbage with the beef and tomato mixture, tossing gently. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and the cabbage is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of deconstructed cabbage rolls.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat crumble or cooked lentils.
To make ahead, assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 303 kcal
- Sodium: 433mg
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cabbage roll casserole, ground beef, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, tomato sauce, baked casserole
