Cabbage Roll Casserole

Cabbage Roll Casserole brings together all the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the fuss of rolling individual leaves. This easy, layered casserole features tender cabbage, savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and rice, all baked to perfection in one dish. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: Skip the rolling and stuffing—this casserole is quick to prep and just as delicious.
• One-Pan Comfort Food: A hearty, complete meal with protein, grains, and veggies all in one dish.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for making ahead and storing for busy nights.
• Customizable: Swap the meat, change the cheese, or add more veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef mixture
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add rice and seasonings
   Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Layer the casserole
   Spread half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef-rice mixture. Repeat with remaining cabbage and then the rest of the beef mixture.
5. Bake covered
   Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until rice and cabbage are tender.
6. Add cheese (optional)
   If using, uncover the casserole, sprinkle cheese on top, and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and serve
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (plus 10–15 minutes with cheese)
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option with just as much flavor.
• Add Extra Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian: Use lentils or a meat substitute instead of ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a tightly wrapped container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes from thawed).

FAQs

Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?

No, the rice cooks as the casserole bakes. Just be sure to use uncooked long-grain white rice and bake it fully covered.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time if baking cold.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, pre-shredded or bagged slaw mix can save time—just be sure it’s plain cabbage without added seasonings.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella and cheddar are great, but Monterey Jack or a cheese blend also melts well and adds flavor.

How do I keep the cabbage from being too crunchy?

Chop it into small pieces and be sure to cover the casserole tightly while baking so it steams and softens.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your beef broth and canned tomato products are gluten-free.

Can I use brown rice?

You can, but it takes longer to cook—add an extra 20–25 minutes and more broth if needed.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not as written, but it’s easy to spice it up with hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños.

Can I use other meats?

Absolutely—Italian sausage, pork, or even leftover shredded chicken will work.

Will this casserole hold up for freezing?

Yes, it freezes and reheats very well. Perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience—delivering the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simplified, layered form. It’s cozy, filling, and a reliable dish for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week. Whether you’re new to cabbage rolls or a longtime fan, this version is sure to hit the spot.

Print