Tired of the tedious rolling associated with traditional cabbage rolls but craving that comforting, savory flavor? Say hello to your new favorite weeknight hero: the Stuffed Cabbage Casserole! This easy, hearty dish delivers all the beloved taste of classic cabbage rolls in a simple, layered baked form. It’s the perfect solution for a satisfying, healthy cabbage dinner that feeds a crowd and simplifies cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
There’s something uniquely comforting about cabbage and savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Our Stuffed Cabbage Casserole takes this nostalgic flavor profile and transforms it into an effortless meal. Forget the fuss of individual rolling; this recipe embraces ease without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
A Deconstructed Classic
This recipe is essentially an unstuffed cabbage rolls masterpiece, often referred to as deconstructed cabbage rolls. Instead of carefully wrapping a filling in blanched cabbage leaves, we layer all the ingredients in a baking dish. This means less prep time, less cleanup, and more time enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal. It’s the ultimate lazy cabbage rolls experience, perfect for busy evenings when you still want to serve something spectacular.
Budget-Friendly and Hearty
Cabbage and ground beef are economical staples that stretch far, making this Stuffed Cabbage Casserole an incredibly budget-friendly option. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, ensuring everyone at the table feels satisfied and nourished. This substantial dish is a fantastic way to feed a family without breaking the bank, offering warmth and satiety with every forkful. It’s truly a wholesome and hearty meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Stuffed Cabbage Casserole starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some suggestions for making it your own.
The Meat Mixture
- Ground Beef: We recommend lean ground beef (85-90%) for the best texture and flavor without excessive grease. Browned and seasoned well, it forms the delicious base of our casserole.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the foundational flavor. Don’t skimp on these!
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works beautifully, absorbing the savory juices as the casserole bakes. You can use pre-cooked rice to speed things up, or adjust liquid if using uncooked.
The Cabbage and Rice
- Green Cabbage: The star of the show! A medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped, provides tenderness and a subtle sweetness that balances the rich beef and tangy sauce.
- Cooked Rice: Using cooked rice helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery. If you only have uncooked rice, be sure to add extra liquid to the sauce (about 1/2 cup per 1/2 cup uncooked rice) to ensure it cooks through.
Sauce and Seasonings
- Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: A combination of these two creates a robust, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that coats every layer.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and ensures the cabbage and rice cook to perfection.
- Brown Sugar (or sweetener of choice): A touch of sweetness helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the sauce and adds a lovely tang.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for umami depth.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried dill weed are classic additions that enhance the overall taste of this baked cabbage casserole.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Creating this delicious ground beef cabbage casserole is simpler than you think. Follow these easy steps for a truly comforting and flavorful meal.
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Prepare your cabbage by coring it and chopping it into roughly 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and easy serving. Set aside about half of the chopped cabbage.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Layering the Casserole
In the skillet with the beef mixture, stir in the cooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine. Now, it’s time to assemble your Stuffed Cabbage Casserole. Spread half of the remaining chopped cabbage evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with another layer of cabbage, and then top with the remaining beef mixture. Ensure the top layer of the beef mixture is spread evenly.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the casserole is bubbly and slightly browned on top. The goal is perfectly tender cabbage and a rich, saucy interior. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the liquids to set.
Tips for Perfectly Tender Cabbage
The key to a truly successful Stuffed Cabbage Casserole lies in the tenderness of the cabbage. Nobody wants crunchy cabbage in a comforting casserole!
Cutting the Cabbage Correctly
When preparing your cabbage, aim for pieces that are roughly 1-inch squares or strips. This size ensures that the cabbage cooks down evenly and becomes wonderfully tender without turning mushy. Avoid large chunks, as they will take longer to cook and might remain firm.
The Importance of Covering with Foil
Do NOT skip covering your casserole dish with foil for the initial baking period. The foil traps steam, which is essential for breaking down the tough fibers in the cabbage and allowing it to soften beautifully. It also prevents the top layer from drying out or burning before the rest of the casserole is cooked through. Removing the foil towards the end allows for a nice caramelized top.
“For the most melt-in-your-mouth experience, don’t rush the covered baking time. That steam is your best friend for tender, sweet cabbage in every bite!”
Variations to Try
This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize it to your family’s preferences.
Spicy Kick
If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture along with the other seasonings. A dash of hot sauce in the tomato sauce or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies can also elevate the spice level, turning your casserole into a truly zesty experience.
Low-Carb / Keto Option
For a fantastic keto cabbage casserole variation, simply omit the rice entirely. The casserole will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. You can also replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia to maintain that hint of sweetness without the carbs. This makes for an excellent healthy cabbage dinner that fits a low-carb lifestyle.
Slow Cooker Method
Yes, you can make a version of this in your slow cooker for an amazing one pot cabbage and beef meal! After browning the beef and preparing the sauce mixture, layer everything into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender. This is a perfect option for those days when you want dinner ready when you walk in the door.
Storage and Reheating
One of the best things about this Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is how well it stores, making it ideal for meal prep and enjoying leftovers.
Fridge and Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers or wrap the entire cooled casserole (if in a freezer-safe dish) tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: For best results, reheat individual portions or the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for a single serving or 45-60 minutes for a whole casserole. If it seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or water.
- Microwave: For quick reheating, individual portions can be microwaved on high for 2-4 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use different types of ground meat in this Stuffed Cabbage Casserole?
A: Yes, absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can certainly use ground turkey, ground chicken, or a blend of ground meats for this dish. Just ensure to adjust cooking times if necessary and season appropriately.
Q: Do I have to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?
A: It’s highly recommended to use cooked rice to prevent the casserole from becoming watery and to ensure the rice is perfectly tender. If you must use uncooked rice, you’ll need to add an additional 1/2 cup of liquid (beef broth or water) for every 1/2 cup of uncooked rice to the sauce mixture, and the baking time might need to be extended slightly.
Q: How can I make my cabbage more tender?
A: Ensure you chop the cabbage into appropriately sized pieces (about 1-inch), and most importantly, cover the casserole tightly with foil during the initial baking phase. The trapped steam is crucial for tenderizing the cabbage. You can also blanch the cabbage for 5-10 minutes before layering if you prefer it extra soft, though it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.
Q: Is this a good meal prep recipe?
A: Yes, this easy weeknight casserole is an excellent choice for meal prep! It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for future lunches or dinners.
We hope you enjoy making and devouring this comforting Stuffed Cabbage Casserole! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings all the beloved flavors of a classic dish to your table with minimal effort.
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Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 large head Green cabbage Cored and roughly chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb Ground beef Lean (85/15) recommended; Ground turkey is a suitable alternative
- 1 cup Cooked rice White long-grain or jasmine rice work best
- 1 medium Onion Chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 15 oz Tomato sauce 1 standard can
- 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes Undrained
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 pinch Salt and black pepper To taste
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Remove the core from the cabbage and chop the leaves into rough 1-inch squares. Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stir the cooked rice into the meat and sauce mixture until well combined.
- Pour half of the meat and rice mixture over the bottom layer of cabbage in the baking dish. Top with the remaining chopped cabbage, followed by the remaining meat mixture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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