Cabbage Roll Casserole

This easy cabbage roll casserole recipe has all the elements of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling them. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this hearty casserole brings together tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, and melty cheese in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll love how quickly it comes together while still delivering on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: No rolling required! Just mix everything together for a hassle-free dinner.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and vegetables, this casserole is a complete meal on its own.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness, making it an ideal dish for families.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, saving you time on busy nights.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. To create this delicious cabbage roll casserole, gather these essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• 9×13 casserole dish
• Cooking spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for sautéing vegetables and browning meat evenly.
• Casserole dish: Ensures even baking and makes serving easy directly from the dish.
• Cooking spoon: Helps in mixing ingredients thoroughly without damaging delicate components like cabbage.

Ingredients

This easy cabbage roll casserole recipe has all the elements of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling them. A hearty casserole made with simple ingredients of rice, tender cabbage, juicy, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, with plenty of melty cheese on top!

Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 8 cups cabbage (cut into 1” pieces (1 small cabbage))
– 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion (diced)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
– 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
– 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups white rice (cooked)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack))

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Cook 1 cup of dry rice according to package directions. Most white rice takes about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 3: Sauté the Cabbage

In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat.
* When warm, add the diced cabbage and 1 teaspoon of salt.
* Sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until just barely tender. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef.
* Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until browned.
* Add diced onion and garlic; cook for an additional 4–5 minutes until onion is tender.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Next, stir in:
* Diced tomatoes,
* Tomato sauce,
* Italian seasoning,
* Black pepper,
* Remaining salt.
Mix well to combine.

Step 6: Mix Everything Together

Remove the pan from heat. Add:
* Cooked rice,
* Sautéed cabbage.
Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Assemble Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious cabbage roll casserole!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole

Serving Cabbage Roll Casserole can be a delightful experience, as this hearty dish pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a wonderful contrast to the soft textures of the casserole.

Add Some Bread

• Garlic Bread: This crispy, buttery bread adds flavor and a satisfying crunch to each bite.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.

Include Some Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and tanginess that pairs beautifully with the flavors.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten up the dish and add freshness.

Serve with Vegetable Sides

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy balance and vibrant color to your plate.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots complement the savory notes of the casserole.

How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Casserole

To achieve the best version of your Cabbage Roll Casserole, consider these helpful tips. Each step ensures that you capture all the flavors while maintaining texture.

• Boldly Season Your Meat: Don’t be shy with spices. Adding extra seasoning to your ground beef enhances its flavor base.
• Boldly Layer Ingredients: For even distribution of flavors, layer cabbage, meat mixture, and rice in your baking dish rather than mixing everything.
• Boldly Choose Cheese: Opt for a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for diverse flavor profiles and textures on top.
• Boldly Cook Rice Properly: Ensure your rice is cooked but not overdone; it should retain some firmness to hold its shape in the casserole.
• Boldly Bake Until Bubbly: Keep an eye on your casserole while baking; it’s done when cheese is melted and bubbling for that perfect topping.
• Boldly Garnish Before Serving: Garnishing just before serving makes for an appealing presentation and adds freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Casserole

When planning a meal around Cabbage Roll Casserole, consider pairing it with these delicious side dishes. Each option complements the casserole’s flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and richness alongside the casserole.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings brightness with its tangy dressing, contrasting nicely with the warm casserole.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These earthy sprouts add depth to your meal while providing great nutritional value.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness that complements savory dishes like this casserole.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can introduce new textures and flavors while keeping the meal healthy.
6. Baked Beans: Their sweet-and-savory profile pairs wonderfully with hearty casseroles, adding another layer of flavor to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making cabbage roll casserole, it’s easy to get caught up in the process and overlook some key points. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring salt distribution: Always remember to season each layer of your casserole. Adding all the salt at once can lead to uneven flavor. Sprinkle salt while sautéing vegetables and when combining ingredients.
• Overcooking the cabbage: Sautéing cabbage too long will result in a mushy texture. Cook it just until tender, allowing it to retain some crunch for better mouthfeel.
• Not cooking the rice properly: Undercooked or overcooked rice can ruin your casserole’s texture. Follow package instructions carefully, ensuring it’s fluffy and fully cooked before mixing.
• Skipping the cheese topping: A good cheese layer adds flavor and a pleasing texture. Don’t skip this step; it makes your casserole deliciously gooey and appealing.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: The quality of canned tomatoes affects overall taste. Opt for high-quality diced tomatoes and sauces for a richer flavor profile.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cabbage roll casserole in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy identification later.

Reheating Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Cabbage roll casserole combines all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but simplifies the preparation by layering ingredients instead of rolling them.

Can I customize my Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, use different types of cheese, or substitute ground meats like turkey or lamb based on your preference.

How do I make my Cabbage Roll Casserole spicier?

To add spice, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when mixing your ingredients. Adjust according to your heat tolerance!

What should I serve with my Cabbage Roll Casserole?

This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For heartier options, serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Cabbage roll casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It brings comfort food vibes while allowing you to customize ingredients based on personal taste. Give this recipe a try for an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!