Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

 

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort Food Made Easy

If you love traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time (or patience) to roll and wrap each one, this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect shortcut! It has all the comforting flavors of the classic dish — tender cabbage, savory beef, tomato sauce, and rice — layered together in one hearty, oven-baked meal.

This recipe brings the same old-fashioned flavor you grew up with, but with half the effort. Let’s dig in!

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🥬 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No rolling or wrapping — just simple layering.

• Family Favorite: Hearty, filling, and full of flavor.

• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

• One-Dish Comfort Food: Everything bakes together beautifully in the oven.

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🍅 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 6 cups chopped)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Remove the core from the cabbage and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the cabbage, and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly tender.

3. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the ground beef.

4. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

5. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the cabbage on the bottom.

3. Spread half of the meat mixture over the cabbage.

4. Repeat the layers, finishing with meat on top.

5. (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbling and heated through.

Step 5: Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your cozy, home-cooked meal!

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a side of:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast

• Mashed potatoes

• A light cucumber salad or coleslaw

It’s a complete meal on its own, but these sides take it over the top!

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❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• To Freeze: Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

• To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it when ready to serve!

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort food — but let’s be honest, they can be a lot of work. This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole gives you all the same rich, homestyle flavor in a much simpler, stress-free way.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just need a warm, satisfying dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.