Imagine a cozy evening filled with the mouthwatering aroma of our Cabbage Roll Casserole wafting through your kitchen! This delightful dish layers tender cabbage leaves with savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce that hugs every bite. As you dig in, the flavors meld together, creating a warm, comforting experience that feels like a big hug. Each forkful is a perfect balance of hearty and wholesome, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Trust me, this casserole will quickly become a beloved favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights!
- Trust me, you’re going to love the hearty flavors.
- It’s a comforting dish that warms the soul.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
- Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole!
- 2 pounds ground beef – your choice of lean or regular
- 3.5 pounds chopped cabbage – fresh for the best flavor
- 29 ounces canned tomato sauce – adds moisture and richness
- 1 cup chopped onion – chopped for a savory base
- 1 cup uncooked white rice – traditional and filling
- 1 teaspoon salt – for seasoning
- 28 ounces canned beef broth – for a hearty broth flavor
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create a warm and hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole that will delight your taste buds!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a large baking dish.
- Step 2: In a big skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the uncooked rice, salt, and half of the chopped cabbage. Mix well to combine.
- Step 5: Pour in the canned tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring until everything is well mixed.
- Step 6: In the baking dish, layer the remaining chopped cabbage at the bottom.
- Step 7: Spoon the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer, spreading it evenly.
- Step 8: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Step 9: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Step 10: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Blanch cabbage leaves for easier rolling.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Let the casserole sit before serving for better flavor.
- Add herbs like dill for a fresh twist.
How to Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Pair with crusty bread or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the flavors.
- For a twist, add shredded cheese on top and broil until bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Cabbage Roll Casserole with ease:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Large baking dish For baking the casserole.
- 1 Skillet For browning the ground beef.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef your choice of lean or regular
- 3.5 pounds chopped cabbage fresh for the best flavor
- 29 ounces canned tomato sauce adds moisture and richness
- 1 cup chopped onion chopped for a savory base
- 1 cup uncooked white rice traditional and filling
- 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning
- 28 ounces canned beef broth for a hearty broth flavor
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a large baking dish.
- In a big skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, salt, and half of the chopped cabbage. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the canned tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring until everything is well mixed.
- In the baking dish, layer the remaining chopped cabbage at the bottom.
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of beans as a protein source. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make your Cabbage Roll Casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rice or quinoa instead of regular white rice. Additionally, check the labels on your canned tomato sauce and beef broth to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish without worry!
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Cabbage Roll Casserole in advance! Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
4. What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table to enjoy this Cabbage Roll Casserole, let the warmth and comfort of this dish wrap around you like a cozy blanket. It’s simple, satisfying, and a delightful way to bring everyone together. So, roll up your sleeves, dive in, and savor every bite of this nostalgic favorite!
Hungry for more delicious creations? Browse our site for more recipes and endless inspiration to spark your next culinary adventure!
