Why Make This Recipe
Cabbage Roll Casserole is a great dish for any occasion. It combines healthy cabbage with a hearty filling of meat and rice. This recipe is simple to make, and it’s a comforting meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the rolling and folding.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cabbage leaves and the meat mixture until all ingredients are used, ending with cabbage on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is slightly browned.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole
Serve the cabbage roll casserole warm, right from the baking dish. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It also makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it the next day!
How to Store Cabbage Roll Casserole
To store your cabbage roll casserole, let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a couple of minutes if you want them softer and easier to layer.
- Feel free to add other spices or vegetables to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Always taste your mixture before layering to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Variation
You can swap out the ground beef or turkey for alternatives like sausage or even a plant-based meat substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, sausage, or even a meat-free substitute for a vegetarian version.
2. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare everything in advance, layer it in the baking dish, and then cover it with foil. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when you are ready to serve.
3. Is there an easy way to chop the cabbage?
You can cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then slice each quarter into strips or leave whole leaves for layering. Boiling or blanching first can help soften the leaves for easier handling.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 large head cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, layer the cabbage leaves and the meat mixture until all ingredients are used, ending with cabbage on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is slightly browned.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.