If you have ever adored the comforting, tangy, and hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but wished for an easier weeknight dish, this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining all the beloved elements into a simple, layered casserole, this recipe brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a luscious tomato sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires less fuss, keeps all the cozy flavors, and delivers a warm, satisfying meal that tastes just like homemade comfort food should.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays an important role: cabbage adds freshness and texture; ground beef brings hearty richness; and the tomato sauce ties everything together with savory and slightly sweet notes. Let’s break down what you need!
- 1 medium head of cabbage: Essential for that classic cabbage taste and adds wonderful layers to the casserole.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that makes this dish so filling and delicious.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects aromatic warmth and a subtle kick of flavor.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Gives the filling a nice, tender texture and balances the meat.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The tangy backbone of the sauce, melding all flavors together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds chunkiness and bursts of acidity for freshness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: Adds brightness and a little zing to balance the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and rounds all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky undertone that complements the meat beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a bit of extra heat.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil to blanch your cabbage. This step softens the leaves enough to layer and prevents toughness in the finished casserole. Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves one by one, trimming away the thick veins to make them more pliable and easy to eat.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until they soften up and become fragrant, usually 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in the Rice and Sauces
Stir your cooked rice into the beef and onion mixture. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then season with brown sugar, vinegar, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and if you like a touch of heat, red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all those flavors can marry perfectly.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lay a base of cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage leaves and then top with the rest of your savory filling. This layering is what gives the casserole its charming “stuffed roll” effect without the work of rolling each leaf individually.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften even more. Then take off the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and bubble enticingly. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can elevate your dish beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill adds a bright pop of green and freshness. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty, but pairing it with a light side like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans helps create a balanced plate. If you want a more rustic meal, creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread are perfect companions to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Proudly serve this casserole family-style right from the dish for casual dinners, or spoon individual portions on pretty plates for an elegant twist. Another fun idea is to top servings with shredded cheese and broil a minute or two for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making the next serving even tastier!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months, perfect for future quick meals that taste homemade.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-2 minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives and will still work perfectly in your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe. Just cook them the same way as the beef, adjusting seasoning to taste if needed.
Do I need to precook the rice for this recipe?
Yes, the rice should be cooked before mixing it into the beef and sauce mixture. Using pre-cooked rice ensures everything cooks evenly and that your texture is just right in the casserole.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Definitely. The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free, assuming your tomato sauce and canned tomatoes don’t contain any added gluten ingredients. Always double-check labels to be sure.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain that rich, savory flavor in your veggie-friendly version.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Of course! The red pepper flakes are totally optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste. The casserole will still be deliciously flavorful without them.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe turns a classic comfort dish into a welcoming, fuss-free meal that anyone can cook with confidence. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving cozy, flavorful leftovers, this recipe brings warmth, heartiness, and all those familiar favorites to your table. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to weeknight dinner!
Print
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that captures the classic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each leaf. Ground beef, rice, and a savory tomato sauce with spices are layered between tender blanched cabbage leaves and baked to perfection, creating a deliciously satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Cabbage
- 1 medium head of cabbage
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup cooked rice
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Blanch and Prepare Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage head and blanch them in the boiling water briefly until tender enough to fold. Trim the thick veins from the center of each leaf and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble Layers: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer half of the blanched cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spread half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and beef mixture to form a layered casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed cabbage roll casserole hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb variation.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
