Description
A hearty and comforting Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection without the need for traditional rolling.
Ingredients
2 pounds (900g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 28 ounce (794g) can crushed tomatoes
1 19 ounce (539g) can tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
¼ cup (45g) long grain rice, uncooked
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing cabbage)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf, then stir in the uncooked rice. Set the sauce aside.
- While the sauce simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 10–15 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat.
- In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, layer half of the softened cabbage on the bottom.
- Spoon the meat and rice sauce evenly over the cabbage layer.
- Top with the remaining softened cabbage.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until heated through, the rice is tender, and the cabbage is soft.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the cabbage is softened before layering to achieve the best texture in the final casserole.
Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to your taste, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
The casserole freezes well for future meals; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sodium: 750mg
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: unstuffed cabbage roll casserole, cabbage casserole, ground beef, easy dinner, comfort food, baked casserole
