This tasty cabbage roll casserole mixes the warmth of comfort food with the ease of a weeknight meal. It brings together lean ground beef, rice, and fresh cabbage for a filling dish you’ll want to make again and again.
This Cabbage Roll Casserole addresses issues of complicated preparation and lengthy cooking times found in classic cabbage roll recipes.
I love that this recipe tackles the messiness of traditional cabbage rolls without sacrificing any flavor. During busy weekends with my family, I often find myself short on time but still longing for those hearty flavors. Trust me, this method is reliable!
After just 20 minutes of prep and a quick bake for 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a hot, cheesy meal that looks beautiful and tastes even better. The layers of beef, rice, and cabbage create a comforting experience that’s hard to beat.
If you enjoy cozy casseroles, you might also want to try my Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole. It’s another easy option to add to your weeknight lineup!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Layers of Flavor , Each layer of beef, rice, tomatoes, and creamy melted cheese makes this casserole a heartwarming dish that brings smiles to the dinner table.
- Speedy Preparation , With just a quick 20-minute prep time, you can effortlessly whip up this dish and have it in the oven in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with your loved ones.
- Healthful Choice , Packed with cabbage, this casserole offers a nutritious boost. Cabbage is low in calories while delivering essential vitamins and fiber, adding to a wholesome meal.
- Delicious Leftovers , This casserole keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
Cabbage Roll Casserole with Beef and Rice
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Layered cabbage roll casserole with ground beef, rice, marinara, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Easy baked comfort dinner ready in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) lean ground beef, 80/20 recommended for best flavor and moisture
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (80 g) minced onion, large yellow or white onion preferred
- 2 cloves minced garlic, fresh, finely minced
- 21/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (or homemade blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/21/2 teaspoon dill
- 11/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/41/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 24 ounces (680 g) marinara sauce, good-quality without added sugars
- 1 (14-ounce) can (400 g) diced tomatoes, fire-roasted preferred
- 2 cups (370 g) cooked long-grain white rice, rinsed beforehand for fluffiness
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
- 6 cups (420 g) chopped cabbage, firm green head, no wilted leaves
- 2 cups (224 g) shredded Colby Jack cheese (mozzarella or cheddar cheese may be substituted)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Step 2: Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, ground beef, and minced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dill, salt, and pepper. Cook together for about 30 seconds to release the spices’ fragrance. For a richer flavor, you may saute the garlic with the onion an additional 1-2 minutes before adding meat.
- Step 4: Combine Sauces and Rice: Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir until combined and heated through, allowing the rice to absorb flavors and bind the mixture.
- Step 5: Sauté the Cabbage: In a large pot, melt butter over high heat. Add chopped cabbage and cook until barely wilted and slightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning. If cabbage wilts slowly, cover pot with lid and cook on high for 3 minutes to trap steam and speed softening.
- Step 6: Layer the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the sauteed cabbage, followed by half of the beef and rice mixture, then half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layering with remaining cabbage, beef mixture, and cheese. Do not overfill to avoid bubbling over during baking.
- Step 7: Bake and Garnish: Bake casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and the top develops a slight golden color. If cheese does not melt evenly, increase oven temperature to 375 degrees F for the last 5 minutes. Remove and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store casserole in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Refrigeration: Transfer casserole to airtight container; refrigerate at 40 degrees F for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer container. Freeze at 0 degrees F for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal moisture and flavor balance without greasiness.
- Choose fresh, firm green cabbage heads without wilted leaves for best texture and flavor.
- Rinse long-grain white rice before cooking to eliminate excess starch, ensuring fluffy grains that absorb sauce well.
- Saute minced garlic with onion longer (1-2 minutes extra) for deeper aromatic flavor.
- If casserole is watery, drain excess liquid after baking for 20 minutes before rebaking if needed.
- Adjust seasoning halfway through baking by adding more salt and pepper to taste.
- Watch layers carefully to prevent overstuffing and bubbling over during baking.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until hot throughout, or microwave individual portions until heated. For best cheese melt, reheat uncovered in oven.
- Serve with gluten-free garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for added crunch.
- Roasted vegetables or garlic sauteed greens pair well to complement nutrition and flavor.
- Top with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Cheese substitutions: Use shredded mozzarella for melty texture or cheddar for sharper flavor instead of Colby Jack cheese.
- Herb substitution: If Italian seasoning is unavailable, use dried basil, oregano, and thyme blend.
- Meat alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Rice substitution: Brown rice can be used but adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Select fresh cabbage heads that are firm and heavy for their size without discoloration or wilting.
- Use fresh garlic, finely minced, to release optimal flavor – avoid pre-minced options lacking pungency.
- Choose good-quality tomato sauce that is free from added sugars to maintain balanced acidity.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add smoky richness, enhancing casserole texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: [Data not provided]
- Sugar: [Data not provided]
- Sodium: [Data not provided]
- Fat: [Data not provided]
- Saturated Fat: [Data not provided]
- Unsaturated Fat: [Data not provided]
- Trans Fat: [Data not provided]
- Carbohydrates: [Data not provided]
- Fiber: [Data not provided]
- Protein: [Data not provided]
- Cholesterol: [Data not provided]
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best blend of flavor and moisture. This balance keeps the casserole juicy without being greasy.
- Cabbage: Look for firm, green cabbage heads without wilted leaves. Fresh cabbage holds its shape well, adding crunch and flavor to each bite.
- Rice: Opt for long-grain white rice, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors nicely. Be sure to rinse it well to remove extra starch for a fluffy texture.
- Onion: Choose large yellow or white onions. They add sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! Mince it finely to release its flavor; avoid pre-minced options which often lack freshness and bite.
- Tomato sauce: Go for a good-quality tomato sauce without added sugars, as it provides the necessary acidity and richness to balance the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor boost. They add a nice texture and richness, making every bite more exciting.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs essential for flavor layering. If you don’t have it, make your own with basil, oregano, and thyme!
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and a hint of spice. Always adjust to taste for the best flavor balance.
- Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for a melty top. It adds creaminess and binds the casserole together. If you’re after a sharper taste, try cheddar instead.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best blend of flavor and moisture. This balance keeps the casserole juicy without being greasy.
- Cabbage: Look for firm, green cabbage heads without wilted leaves. Fresh cabbage holds its shape well, adding crunch and flavor to each bite.
- Rice: Opt for long-grain white rice, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors nicely. Be sure to rinse it well to remove extra starch for a fluffy texture.
- Onion: Choose large yellow or white onions. They add sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! Mince it finely to release its flavor; avoid pre-minced options which often lack freshness and bite.
- Tomato sauce: Go for a good-quality tomato sauce without added sugars, as it provides the necessary acidity and richness to balance the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor boost. They add a nice texture and richness, making every bite more exciting.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs essential for flavor layering. If you don’t have it, make your own with basil, oregano, and thyme!
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and a hint of spice. Always adjust to taste for the best flavor balance.
- Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for a melty top. It adds creaminess and binds the casserole together. If you’re after a sharper taste, try cheddar instead.
Recipe Tips
- If the cabbage doesn’t wilt quickly, cover the pot with a lid and cook on high heat for 3 minutes. This traps steam and speeds up the wilting process.
- When the casserole turns out too watery, you can drain excess liquid before layering. Take a minute to check after baking for 20 minutes.
- If you notice the cheese isn’t melting evenly, increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 5 minutes. This helps achieve an even, bubbling texture.
- For a richer flavor, sauté the minced garlic with the onion for an additional 1-2 minutes. This brings out a more aromatic quality before adding the meat.
- If you find the casserole lacks seasoning, add an extra pinch of salt and pepper. Taste approximately halfway through the baking time to adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole with a side of gluten-free garlic bread or a crisp caesar salad for added crunch. Roasted vegetables or garlic sautéed greens complement the casserole nicely, boosting nutrition and flavor.
Use to make stuffed bell pepper casserole or a savory ground beef skillet dish. You can add it to a hearty soup for extra substance or use as a filling for wraps.
Top with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or sliced green onions for added color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt also works well to enhance creaminess.
Recipe variations
- You can use lean ground turkey in place of ground beef to create a lighter version of cabbage roll casserole without compromising the protein content and texture.
- Add 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of dill to the sautéed onion and meat mixture for a well-rounded herb flavor that complements the cabbage’s freshness.
- Either chopped fresh cabbage or pre-shredded cabbage can be used for this recipe; fresh cabbage requires cooking in butter until just wilted to avoid excess moisture.
- If preparing for more servings, double the beef to 3 pounds, rice to 4 cups, and increase marinara sauce to 48 ounces, cooking in a larger dish or multiple pans accordingly.
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How to Store?
To keep your cabbage roll casserole fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place casserole in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 2 days. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
Refrigeration: Transfer casserole to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator at 40°F for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying.
Freezing: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap then place into a freezer container. Freeze at 0°F up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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