Description: A comforting and easy-to-make casserole that brings together all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a simplified, deconstructed format. This hearty dish combines ground beef, tender cabbage, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Baked to perfection, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner or make-ahead dish for busy schedules.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 ½ pounds chopped green cabbage
- 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it cooks evenly. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are tender and translucent. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Draining any excess fat after browning is crucial to prevent a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) into the ground beef mixture. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the beef and cabbage. Next, pour in the tomato sauce and add the uncooked white rice. The rice will cook in the casserole, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and meat. Add water and let everything simmer together for about 5–7 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to combine and the rice to begin softening, which is essential for the final texture of the casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Cabbage: While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the chopped cabbage. You can steam or sauté the cabbage until it starts to soften slightly (about 5 minutes). Steaming helps retain the cabbage’s natural sweetness, while sautéing adds a slight caramelized flavor. Alternatively, you can microwave the cabbage in batches for a quicker prep method. This step ensures the cabbage is tender and not too crunchy in the final dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole: In a large greased baking dish (9×13 inch works well), start by layering half of the cabbage on the bottom. The cabbage acts as a base layer that absorbs the delicious juices from the meat mixture. Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over the cabbage layer. Repeat the layers: the rest of the cabbage followed by the remaining meat mixture. This layering technique ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of cabbage, meat, and sauce.
Step 6: Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until the cabbage and rice are fully cooked and tender. The foil helps to trap moisture, ensuring that the casserole doesn’t dry out and that the rice cooks evenly. Check the rice for doneness by tasting a few grains; it should be soft and not crunchy.
Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese adds a creamy, melty layer that complements the savory flavors of the dish. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 8: Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of individually rolling each one. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The deconstructed format means less hands-on time and simpler clean-up. The hearty combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and filling. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for the whole family. It’s also highly customizable – you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a meatless alternative to suit your dietary preferences. The leftovers taste amazing, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping. Finally, the optional cheese topping adds a touch of indulgence that elevates the entire casserole to the next level.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are excellent side dishes that complement the hearty flavors of the casserole.
- For a lighter meal, serve with steamed green beans or asparagus.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that complements the tomato sauce.
Tips:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a meatless crumble for a lighter, healthier version.
- For a sweeter flavor, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey to the tomato sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses – cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses all work well.
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery for added nutrients and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Ensure the cabbage is not overcooked to maintain some texture in the final dish.
- Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day!
- This dish is freezer-friendly and perfect for make-ahead meals! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70-80 minutes
Total Time: 90-100 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
- Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on cheese and serving size)
- Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: 600-800 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for a busy schedule, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comforting flavors of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce in this deconstructed, baked masterpiece. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a winner every time.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of rice? A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for uncooked white rice, you can easily substitute it with brown rice or even cooked rice. If using brown rice, you may need to add a bit more water and increase the baking time slightly to ensure it cooks through. If using cooked rice, reduce the amount of water and baking time to prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy.
Q2: Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian? A: Yes, it’s quite simple to make this casserole vegetarian. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat crumble or a combination of lentils and chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. Ensure the meat substitute is well-seasoned to maintain the savory flavor profile of the dish.
Q3: How can I prevent the casserole from drying out during baking? A: To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during the initial baking period. This helps to trap moisture and ensures that the rice and cabbage cook evenly without losing too much liquid. If you notice the casserole is still drying out, you can add a bit more water or tomato sauce before covering it again.
Q4: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through properly. Alternatively, you can fully bake the casserole and then reheat it when ready to serve.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For the microwave, simply heat individual portions until warmed through. For the oven, place the casserole in a baking dish and cover with foil, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For the stovetop, heat small portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce if needed to prevent sticking.
