There’s something about the smell of cabbage and beef simmering together that just feels like home. Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole gives you all those cozy, nostalgic flavors without the fussy rolling and tuckingjust layer everything in a dish and let the oven do the work.
I started testing this back in 2019 when a reader asked for a shortcut version that didn’t sacrifice flavor. After five rounds in my kitchen, I nailed itthe cabbage gets tender but not mushy, and the rice soaks up all that tomatoey goodness. It’s become one of those recipes I make on autopilot now, especially when I want something hearty that doesn’t keep me standing at the stove.
Joe Rooney
Easy Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe You Need Now
This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers all the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with a fraction of the effort. It’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners and easy meal prep.
Combine the diced bacon, ground beef, and ground pork in a large skillet.
Cook the meat mixture over medium heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
Stir in the tomato juice and condensed tomato soup until the mixture is smooth.
Layer the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the cabbage layer.
Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly on top of the rice.
Cover the dish and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 90 minutes, or until the rice is soft and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
For easier cleanup, use a disposable foil baking dish. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
This is everything you love about old-fashioned cabbage rollstender cabbage, savory meat, rice cooked right inbut without all the fussy tucking and rolling. You just layer it in a 9×13 pan and walk away.
Half the effort, same comfort: No wrapping or steaming individual rolls. Everything bakes together in one dish.
Tested and reliable: I’ve made this more than a dozen times. The rice always comes out tender, and the cabbage never turns to mush.
Family-friendly and filling: It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Key Ingredients and What They Do
Each ingredient plays a role in building that classic cabbage roll flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
Ingredient
Why It Works
Bacon
Adds smoky depth and richness to the meat layer
Ground beef + ground pork
Gives you tender, juicy textureleaner than all beef, more flavor than all pork
Tomato juice + condensed tomato soup
Creates the saucy base that steams the rice and cabbage as it bakes
Cabbage
Softens into sweet, melt-in-your-mouth layers
Long grain white rice
Soaks up all that tomatoey goodness and cooks perfectly right in the pan
Pro Tip: Use a head of cabbage you’d slice for coleslawfirm, fresh, and not too wilted. It makes a difference in texture.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
The beauty of this casserole is how simple the layering is. You brown the meat, build your layers, and let the oven finish the job.
Start by cooking the bacon, ground beef, and ground pork together in a large frying pan until no pink remains. Drain off the fat, then whisk in the tomato juice and condensed tomato soup until everything is smooth and saucy.
In your 9×13 pan, spread the coarsely chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the cabbage, then pour the meat mixture on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 90 minutes. The rice will steam, the cabbage will soften, and all the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Note: Let it sit for a few minutes after baking so the liquid settles and the layers hold together when you serve.
Timing and Temperature
Step
Time
Temperature
Prep (browning meat, chopping cabbage)
15 minutes
Stovetop
Baking (covered)
90 minutes
350°F
Resting before serving
5 minutes
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
Want to adjust based on what’s in your fridge or your family’s tastes? Here are a few easy changes that still work beautifully:
Swap the meat: Use all ground beef if that’s what you have. Turkey works too, but add a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t dry out.
Skip the bacon: If you want to lighten it up, leave it out and cook the ground meats on their own.
Add a little tang: Stir in a tablespoon of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to the tomato mixture for a brighter finish.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this straight from the pan with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it. It’s hearty enough on its own, but a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad makes it feel like a full meal.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator (covered)
Up to 4 days
Freezer (airtight container)
Up to 3 months
Reheating
Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F
Pro Tip: Leftovers actually taste better the next day once all the flavors have had time to soak in.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your rice isn’t quite tender after 90 minutes, add a splash of water or broth, cover again, and bake another 10–15 minutes. Sometimes oven temps vary slightly, and that little extra time makes all the difference.
If the top looks too dry halfway through, don’t worryjust make sure your foil is sealed tightly. The steam from the tomato mixture is what cooks the rice, so keeping it covered is key.
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FAQs ( Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole )
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Use 93/7 lean ground turkey for best results. The cooking time remains the same, but you may want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey is milder than beef.
How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?
This dish stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day or two. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 350F oven.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati gives the best texture since it stays fluffy and doesn’t get mushy. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice varieties. You can use brown rice, but increase the liquid slightly and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This meal freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350F oven covered with foil until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
Why is my cabbage still crunchy after baking?
Crunchy cabbage usually means it needs more time or the pieces were cut too thick. Cut cabbage into 1/2-inch pieces and make sure your dish is tightly covered with foil. If still firm, add 15 more minutes of baking time and check that there’s enough liquid in the pan.
You’ll love how this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole turns out after 90 minutesthe cabbage gets tender and sweet, the rice soaks up all that rich tomato flavor, and everything holds together beautifully on the plate. It’s the kind of comfort that smells like Sunday dinner and tastes even better than you remember.
If you want a little brightness, stir a splash of apple cider vinegar into the tomato mixture before bakingit’s a trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen that really wakes up the flavors. This reheats like a dream, so don’t be shy about making a full pan even if it’s just you and one other person. Leftovers are your friend here.
I’d love to hear how yours turns outdid you add your own twist, or keep it classic? Drop a comment or tag me with a photo if you make it. And if this reminds you of someone’s kitchen table growing up, share it with them. Recipes like this are meant to be passed around.
