This Cabbage Roll Casserole brings all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with a lot less hassle. If you’re a fan of the classic dish but want a simpler version, this recipe is perfect for you. While the basic ingredients provide a delicious meal, feel free to enhance the flavor with additions like crushed garlic, paprika, thyme, or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins | Servings: 12 | Yield: 1 9×13-inch casserole
This Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty, saucy dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into something special. The combination of seasoned ground beef, chopped cabbage, fluffy white rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth creates a cozy, satisfying meal.
Learn how to make this casserole step by step, and discover some tips on how to personalize the dish and what sides to serve with it for a complete meal.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
Creating this comforting dish is simple and straightforward. The detailed recipe below will guide you through the process, but here’s a quick overview:
- Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain the grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the browned beef with cabbage, tomato sauce, onion, rice, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the beef broth over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for one hour. Afterward, stir the casserole, re-cover, and continue baking until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole
This casserole pairs well with light side dishes like a creamy kale salad or oven-roasted carrots. For a heartier option, consider serving it with German potato salad to complement the flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Roll Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For the best results, reheat the casserole in a 300°F oven, covering the top with foil to prevent over-browning.
How to Freeze Cabbage Roll Casserole
You can freeze this casserole for up to three months. Make sure to use an airtight container, and consider dividing the casserole into portions before freezing.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 ½ pounds chopped cabbage
- 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard the grease.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, tomato sauce, onion, rice, and salt. Stir in the cooked ground beef. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, and then pour the beef broth over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Stir, re-cover, and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Cook’s Note 📝
If the mixture doesn’t fit into your 9×13-inch dish, use an additional smaller baking dish, dividing the broth between the dishes as needed.
This Cabbage Roll Casserole offers a delightful blend of flavors without the time-consuming preparation of traditional cabbage rolls. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked meal. With its hearty ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional seasonings to make it your own, and enjoy the satisfying warmth of this classic dish.
Since finding this recipe years ago, I’ve made it often. I love that you can get more cabbage than in rolls if you want and NO garlic (a no-no to original cabbage rolls). Thanks for the recipe!