Let me tell you, this easy cabbage roll casserole recipe is a game changer! It captures all those traditional flavors of cabbage rolls but without the fuss of rolling them up. I mean, who has the time for that? This dish is a comforting hug in a baking dish, filled with savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender cabbage, all baked together to perfection. My family absolutely loves it, and it’s a staple on our dinner table, especially during busy weeknights. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that makes everyone feel cozy and satisfied after just one bite. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win in my book! You’re going to want to keep this recipe close—it’s that good!
Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious cabbage roll casserole. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly comforting!
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Feel free to gather everything before you start—it’ll make the cooking process super smooth and enjoyable!
How to Prepare the Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering cabbage roll casserole! It’s easier than you think, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the end result.
Prepping the Cabbage
First things first, we need to prep our star ingredient—the cabbage! Start by removing the core from the cabbage head. You can do this by cutting a cone shape around the core with a sharp knife. Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently place the cabbage in. Let it boil for about 5-10 minutes until the leaves are softened. This step makes it super easy to layer later on. Just be careful when you take it out; it’s hot!
Cooking the Meat Mixture
While the cabbage is boiling, let’s get that delicious meat mixture going! In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir it around until the meat is no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary. Now, stir in your cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix it all together until everything is well combined and heated through. Wow, the aroma is heavenly!
Assembling the Casserole
Now we’re ready to layer this beauty! In a baking dish, start by placing half of the softened cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spread that savory meat mixture evenly over the cabbage, then top with the remaining cabbage leaves. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle shredded cheese on top—trust me, it adds a lovely melty touch!
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the assembled casserole in. Bake it for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and everything is bubbling nicely. The wait will be worth it—you’ll be rewarded with a comforting dish that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy cabbage roll casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, don’t skip boiling the cabbage; this step really helps in making the leaves pliable and easy to layer. If you want even more flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or oregano to the meat mixture—yum! Also, make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef to keep your casserole from being too greasy. If you’re a cheese lover like me, don’t hold back on that cheese topping; it adds wonderful creaminess. Lastly, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes for easier slicing. Trust me, these little tips can make a big difference!
Variations of Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are tons of ways to mix up this easy cabbage roll casserole recipe! First off, you could swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. If you want to add a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped bell peppers or grated carrots into the meat mixture—they’ll add a lovely sweetness! For those who enjoy a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up. You can also experiment with different spices; cumin or Italian seasoning can bring a whole new flavor profile. And if you’re looking to sneak in some greens, consider adding chopped spinach or kale to the layers. The best part? Each variation is just as comforting and delicious as the original!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! This easy cabbage roll casserole stores beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to save it for a rainy day, feel free to freeze it! Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. To reheat, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving it in 1-minute intervals works too—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist. You’ll be back to enjoying that comforting flavor in no time!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads up! The nutritional information for this easy cabbage roll casserole recipe can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to provide accurate estimates, it’s important to remember that these numbers are not exact. Factors like different types of ground meat, cheese, or even the amount of vegetables can change the nutritional content. So, feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs and preferences! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This easy cabbage roll casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it entirely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. If you want to make it even earlier, you can assemble it and freeze it before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I use other meats?
Definitely! If ground beef isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For those looking for a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of your favorite veggies instead. The key is to ensure that whatever meat you choose is cooked through before adding it to the casserole.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a light coleslaw pairs beautifully too! You could even whip up some garlic bread for that extra comfort food vibe. Enjoy the cozy flavors!
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easy cabbage roll casserole recipe: 5 cozy twists to try
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious cabbage roll casserole that combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the core from the cabbage and boil in a large pot for 5-10 minutes until softened.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until meat is no longer pink.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer half of the cooked cabbage in a baking dish.
- Spread the meat mixture over the cabbage.
- Top with the remaining cabbage.
- Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy cabbage roll casserole recipe
