If you love the comforting nostalgia of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but want a quicker, hassle-free way to enjoy all those delicious flavors, this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender cabbage, savory ground meats, hearty rice, and rich tomato sauce in one easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Bursting with warm spices and topped with melty cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of a beloved classic in a simple, satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible. From the savory meats to the fresh cabbage and tangy tomato base, you’ll see just how straightforward and wholesome the components are.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture as one of the main proteins in the dish.
- 1 pound ground pork (or 2 pounds beef): Adds juiciness and a slightly sweeter meat flavor to complement the beef.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall savory notes.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses depth and a subtle kick of warmth throughout the casserole.
- 1 small head green cabbage (chopped): Offers a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and earthy flavor reminiscent of classic cabbage rolls.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The smooth, tangy base that binds everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and bursts of acidity for brightness.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs the rich flavors and ensures a comforting, filling bite.
- 1½ cups beef broth: Boosts the meaty flavor and keeps everything moist as the rice cooks.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors evenly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces warmth and a subtle smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a touch of herbal earthiness, balancing the tomato acidity.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, creamy topping that finishes the casserole perfectly.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles on a nutty, salty layer for extra flavor depth.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the plate with fresh color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole won’t stick, setting the stage for a perfect bake and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Soften the Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, pork, and chopped onion together. Stir frequently until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are tender. This foundational step develops deep flavor and ensures your meat is cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Drain Excess Grease
After the meat and onions are ready, add the minced garlic and stir for just one minute until fragrant—this keeps the garlic fresh and vibrant without burning. Then, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the casserole balanced and not greasy.
Step 4: Combine the Cabbage and Sauce Ingredients
Now for the fun part: stir in the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, then mix everything thoroughly. This mixture is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together beautifully as the rice cooks in the sauce.
Step 5: Bake Covered Until Tender
Pour the hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and help the rice cook evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 75 to 90 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven, uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden—a mouthwatering finish that you and your guests will love.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool just a bit before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh herbs like dill or chives really brightens the deep flavors of this casserole. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy plain yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a lovely textural contrast and lightness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of the tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Or layer it with cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes for a twist on traditional comfort food plating that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it has cooled from the oven. Wrap tightly with foil or place in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out and add a bit of extra broth if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While the classic combo of beef and pork is perfect for flavor balance, you can use only beef, turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian substitute if you want something lighter or meat-free. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth. Double-check canned ingredients just to be sure no gluten-containing additives were included.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready. This makes meal planning super convenient for busy days.
How spicy is the casserole?
It’s mild and family-friendly by default, featuring warm spices like paprika and oregano. If you like heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or swap the pork for spicy sausage to give it a kick.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a nice smoked cheese work great for that gooey, melty topping. Parmesan adds a sharp finish no matter what cheese you choose.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe truly brings the best of traditional flavors into a simple, one-dish comfort meal that’s perfect all year round. It’s such a pleasure to share a recipe that feels like home cooking but saves so much time and effort. If you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and packed with cozy vibes, this casserole is waiting to become one of your favorites too.
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Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired, American Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. Combining ground beef and pork with aromatic onions, garlic, cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce, then baked with rice and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork (or use 2 lbs of beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Tomato and Grain Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1½ cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, ground pork, and chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Drain Excess Grease: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Combine Ingredients: To the meat mixture, add chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), uncooked rice, beef broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer and Cover: Pour the well-mixed casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 75 to 90 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. This slow baking allows flavors to meld while cooking the rice through.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly for about 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake when ready to serve for convenience.
- To add heat, incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or substitute ground pork with spicy sausage.
- For a gluten-free meal, be sure to use gluten-free beef broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
