This Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a warm and hearty dish that combines layers of juicy meat, rice, and tender cabbage. It’s like a comforting hug on a plate!
The best part? You skip the rolling! Just mix everything in a dish, and let the oven do the work. I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: A medium head of green cabbage is ideal for this dish due to its mild flavor and tender texture. If you prefer, you can use Savoy cabbage for a slightly different taste and a more delicate leaf.
Ground beef: I like using ground beef for its flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also use vegetarian meat alternatives if you want a meatless version.
Rice: White rice is traditional here, but brown rice or quinoa works well too, adding more nutrients. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for brown rice, as it takes longer to cook.
Marinara sauce: This adds fantastic flavor! If you don’t have marinara, you can use any pasta sauce on hand. You could also make a homemade sauce with crushed tomatoes and herbs.
Cheese: I love melting mozzarella on top for extra creaminess, but feel free to use cheddar or omit it altogether for a dairy-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Layer This Casserole?
Layering is key to ensure that every bite has a perfect mix of flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a base of cabbage—this helps create a soft layer and captures moisture.
- Add a layer of cooked rice next for a nice texture contrast.
- Follow with a hearty layer of the meat sauce. This ensures flavors meld beautifully.
- Repeat these layers, finishing with the meat sauce and cheese on top, which creates a tasty crust when baked.
Covering the dish with foil helps steam the cabbage, keeping it tender. Uncovering it for the last 10 minutes crisps up the cheese. Don’t rush this step for the best results!
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 1 hour to cook, including baking time. So, in just over an hour, you can have a warm and delightful meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting the oven ready now means your casserole will bake perfectly once it’s assembled!
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the flavors in your casserole.
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Break apart the meat with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat after cooking, drain it out.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Next, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, dried or fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, so all the flavors meld together.
5. Layer the Casserole:
Take a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and layer half of the chopped cabbage evenly on the bottom. Then, spread half of the cooked rice over the cabbage.
Now, pour half of the meat and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the rice layer. Repeat these layers with the remaining cabbage, rice, and meat sauce until everything is used up.
6. Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. This cooking time ensures the cabbage is soft and delicious.
7. Add the Cheese:
If you’re using mozzarella cheese, take off the foil, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole, and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me, it adds an irresistible gooey deliciousness!
8. Serve:
Once done, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it as is or top it with sour cream or extra parsley for added flair.
Enjoy your comforting and easy cabbage roll casserole! It’s a delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat alternative. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially for lean meats.
What Can I Use Instead of White Rice?
If white rice isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time if you use brown rice, as it takes longer to cook.
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance! Simply assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy it as a quick meal later on!