There’s something about the warm, comforting scent of bubbling tomato sauce mixed with tender cabbage that brings back memories of Sunday dinners. This Cabbage Rolls Casserole is a cozy twist on a classic dish, making it a favorite in homes everywhere. It’s perfect for busy nights when all you want is a hearty meal without the fuss.
This dish blends ground beef, rice, and fresh cabbage, baked together until everything melds into a delicious symphony of flavors. It’s like your grandma’s version, but ready in a fraction of the time! Plus, it uses pantry staples, so you won’t have to chase down exotic ingredients.
Started making this during cold winter evenings a few years back, and let me tell you, the first bite felt like a warm hug. My best friend said it reminded her of family dinners from childhood, and I just knew I was onto something special. The real trick? Layering the ingredients right and letting them bubble away it creates that irresistible taste. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for cozy nights ahead.
Thomas Baker
Cabbage Rolls Casserole Delicious Easy and Quick Recipe
This Cabbage Rolls Casserole brings all the wonderful flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one. It’s a perfect Lazy Golumpki Casserole No Rolling that’s both hearty and tasty. Enjoy this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole for a comforting, easy, and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
2 1/2 cups tomato pasta sauce or 1 large can tomato sauce spicy or your favorite flavor
3 Tablespoons vinegar
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8-9 cups cabbage shredded about 1/2 large head of cabbage
Method
Heat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish well.
Cook the ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and crumbled, about 5-6 minutes.
Stir in the uncooked rice into the beef mixture and remove from the heat.
In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Spread one third of the shredded cabbage evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish.
Add half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer.
Pour one third of the tomato sauce mixture over the beef and rice.
Repeat with another one third of the cabbage, the remaining beef and rice mixture, and then another third of the sauce.
Top everything with the last third of the cabbage and the remaining sauce.
Cover the casserole tightly and bake it for 45 minutes.
After baking, remove the cover and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the cabbage softens, rice finishes cooking, and the dish is bubbling.
Once done, gently mix the layers before serving warm.
then repeat with next 1/3 cabbage, remaining rice mixture, and another 1/3 sauce;
finally top with last 1/3 cabbage and remaining sauce.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for as long as 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Rolls Casserole
Quick and Easy: This Cabbage Rolls Casserole comes together in no time perfect for busy weeknights.
Nostalgic Flavors: Enjoy all the classic tastes of a traditional cabbage roll without the hassle of rolling!
Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage, it’s a complete meal that satisfies all appetites.
Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for later they’ll be just as delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Ground Beef: This is the foundation of your casserole, giving it that hearty flavor.
Cabbage: Use about a half large head, shredded it’s the star of this dish!
Tomato Sauce: A key element that adds moisture and flavor; choose your favorite kind!
Rice: Converted rice, like Minute Rice, cooks quickly and blends perfectly into the casserole.
Equipment: You’ll need a 9×13 casserole dish, a skillet for browning the beef, and optionally, a meat chopper to break up your meat.
How It Works Step-by-Step
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned. It smells amazing already!
Mix It Up: Stir in the uncooked rice, then set aside. Meanwhile, mix your tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
Layer It Right: Start layering cabbage, rice mixture, sauce, and repeat until it’s all in the dish.
Time to Bake: Cover it with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover for another 15-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
Too Dry? If your casserole seems dry, try covering it with foil during the baking time to keep in moisture.
Rice Not Cooked? Make sure your rice is a fast-cooking type. If using regular rice, add extra liquid and increase baking time.
Cabbage Tough? Ensure you’re baking it long enough; it should be tender and flavorful by the end of the cooking time.
Possible Tweaks and Variations
Meat swaps: Use a mix of beef and pork for a rich flavor.
Spices: Add in Italian herbs or crushed red pepper for an extra kick!
Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for lentils or a meat alternative for a veggie-friendly option.
Storage Tips
Storage Method
Duration
Tips
In the Fridge
Up to 3 days
Store in an airtight container.
In the Freezer
Up to 3 months
Wrap tightly, then label with the date for freshness.
Reheating
N/A
Microwave or heat in the oven until hot throughout.
Serving Suggestions
For a cozy night in, serve with crusty bread and a simple green salad.
Make it a full meal by adding roasted veggies on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
Expert Says
Cabbage rolls casserole offers an incredible way to enjoy the benefits of cabbage, which is high in vitamins C and K. Slow cooking helps break down the tough fibers, enhancing digestibility while infusing flavors. Embracing this technique can elevate your dish, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
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My Journey to the Perfect Cabbage Rolls Casserole
After many attempts, I finally cracked the code for a comforting cabbage rolls casserole. From overcooked rice to too-saucy layers, each try was a lesson. The moment I pulled the bubbling dish from the oven, with its savory aroma filling the air, I knew it was worth every misstep. Now it’s a family favorite!
FAQs ( Cabbage Rolls Casserole )
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, this meal can be frozen; just portion it out and wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags.
How do I reheat cabbage rolls casserole?
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel. For larger quantities, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve!
What sides go well with this recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice touch!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this meal gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and ensuring that any other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings, are also gluten-free. Check labels for assurance.
Conclusion
This Cabbage Rolls Casserole is a delightful way to bring comfort to your kitchen, combining flavors that will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. You’ll love how it turns out bubbly, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying after just an hour in the oven.
Feel free to mix things up by adding crushed red pepper for a spicy kick or swap in quinoa for a lighter grain option. And if you’ve got leftovers, they reheat beautifully for lunch! A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream it’s heavenly!
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Did you grow up with something like this? Share your photos or memories in the comments! Don’t forget to save or share this recipe with someone who deserves a cozy meal. Happy cooking!
