Description
Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. This hearty dish layers tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef or turkey, tomato sauce, and rice, baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Carbohydrates and Cheese
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Meat and Season: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add Sauces and Rice: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and uncooked rice. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine flavors and slightly soften the rice.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the meat and sauce mixture over the cabbage, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining chopped cabbage to create layers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Use brown rice in place of white rice for added fiber and whole grains.
- Ensure tomato products are gluten-free if required to maintain gluten-free status.
