Description
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup cooked rice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper,
and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage. Pour half of the meat and sauce mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and
sauce.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the
cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Cabbage Roll Casserole every time.
- Prep Ingredients: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, mince the garlic, cook the rice, and shred/grate the cheeses before you begin cooking.
- Brown Meat & Onion: In your large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon until fully browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Build the Sauce: Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 60 seconds. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and all spices (oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes). Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: In your greased 9×13-inch dish, spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage and sauce.
- Bake & Add Cheese: Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a nice finishing touch.
How-to Summary
To make Cabbage Roll Casserole: Brown beef and onion, then mix with garlic, tomatoes, sauce, rice, and spices to create the sauce. In a baking dish, layer raw chopped cabbage and the meat sauce twice. Bake covered for 40 minutes at 375°F, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked? No, using uncooked rice will absorb all the liquid, leaving the casserole dry. Always use pre-cooked rice.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely. Bake as directed, cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based ground meat alternative all work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for browning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Uncooked Rice: This is the most common error and will ruin the dish’s texture.
- Not Draining the Meat: Excess fat from the beef can make the final dish greasy.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Serving immediately will cause the casserole to be soupy and fall apart.
- Overpacking the Cabbage: Layer the cabbage loosely to allow steam to circulate and cook it evenly.
- Forgetting to Grease the Dish: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Conclusion
This deconstructed Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of the traditional dish with a fraction of the work. It’s a reliable, family-friendly recipe that is perfect for weeknight dinners and makes excellent leftovers. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal on the table in just over an hour. Give it a try for a simple yet impressive dinner solution.