Description
This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers all the savory comfort of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a quick, one-dish layered casserole. Featuring tender cabbage, flavorful ground meat, cooked rice, and rich tomato sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners that are both hearty and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2–3 lbs), leaves separated and boiled until soft
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (freshly cooked preferred)
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Optional Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan)
- Fresh chopped parsley or dill for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Boil cabbage leaves until they are soft and pliable but not falling apart. This step mimics the traditional leaf texture and makes layering easier without rolling.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, mixing well to create the savory filling mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cabbage leaves over the sauce, then spread half of the meat and rice mixture evenly on top. Pour some tomato sauce over the meat layer. Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves, meat mixture, and tomato sauce, finishing with a final layer of cabbage and sauce.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 45 minutes to meld flavors and heat through. For a golden cheesy topping, remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole before returning it to the oven.
Notes
- Do not overcook the cabbage when boiling; leaves should be pliable but still hold shape after baking.
- Use freshly cooked rice to prevent the filling from becoming dry or mushy.
- Season each layer lightly, including cabbage and sauce, for a balanced and flavorful result.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.
- Customize seasoning or add herbs like dill or parsley to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Eastern European Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: stuffed cabbage, casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner, gluten free
