Description
This comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a simple, layered casserole dish. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato sauce combine for an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Topped with melted cheddar cheese for added richness, it’s a delicious twist on a classic recipe that’s baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned thoroughly. Once done, drain off any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking until it softens slightly and wilts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare Tomato and Rice Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the casserole.
- Layer Cabbage-Beef Mixture: Spread half of the cabbage and beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first layer.
- Add Rice-Tomato Mixture: Pour and spread the rice and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the first layer of cabbage and beef.
- Top with Remaining Cabbage-Beef: Add the remaining cabbage and beef mixture on top to complete the layering.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to cook fully.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Make sure to slightly wilt the cabbage in the skillet before baking to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and the cabbage is tender.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes in the tomato sauce mixture can add a nice subtle heat if desired.
