Effortless Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe: Homey Comfort in a Pan

Comfort finds its perfect expression in this hearty cabbage roll casserole that brings together layers of rich, satisfying flavors.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through the aroma of perfectly seasoned meat and tender cabbage.

Traditional Polish recipes inspire this delicious one-pot marvel that simplifies classic cooking techniques.

Warm and filling, the dish promises a delightful meal for hungry people seeking real home-style comfort.

Packed with robust ingredients, each spoonful tells a story of culinary tradition and love.

Cozy nights call for something special, and this casserole answers that craving with pure, soul-warming goodness.

Come experience a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining adventure.

Casserole That Reimagines Cabbage Rolls with Ease

• Simplify Cabbage Rolls: Transforms traditional time-consuming cabbage rolls into an easy, hassle-free casserole that delivers the same delicious flavors without complex wrapping techniques.
• Nutritious One-Pot Meal: Packed with protein from ground beef, low-carb cauliflower rice, and fiber-rich cabbage, this dish offers a balanced and wholesome dinner solution for health-conscious families.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal prep work and uses straightforward ingredients, making it perfect for busy households seeking a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily.
• Comfort Food Reimagined: Combines classic comfort food elements with a modern, lighter twist, providing a hearty and flavorful alternative to traditional heavy casseroles that everyone will love.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that forms the base of the casserole.
• Cabbage: Crunchy vegetable that adds texture and nutrition.
• Marinara Sauce: Flavorful sauce that brings moisture and Italian taste.

• Cauliflower Rice, White Rice: Low-carb or traditional grain option for the dish.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and classic Italian flavor profile.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, bubbly finish.

• Avocado Oil: Neutral oil for sautéing ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for covering during initial baking stage.

Cabbage Roll Casserole How to Assemble and Cook

Step 1: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Pour in some avocado oil and toss in minced garlic. Let the garlic dance and sizzle until it releases its fragrant aroma, which takes just a minute or two.

Step 2: Brown the Meaty Base

Drop ground beef into the skillet. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks, transforming it into a deliciously browned and crumbly mixture.

Step 3: Introduce the Grain

Mix in cauliflower rice or white rice along with Italian seasoning. Let the ingredients get cozy and blend their flavors for a few minutes.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Layers

• Ground beef mixture
• Chopped cabbage
• Marinara sauce

Repeat these layers until you’ve used up all ingredients, making sure to finish with a marinara sauce topping.

Step 5: Cheese and Bake to Perfection

Generously shower the top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Notes That Help with Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Swap Rice Options: Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or traditional white rice for a classic approach, depending on your dietary preferences and nutritional goals.
• Chop Cabbage Strategically: Cut cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect texture throughout the casserole.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from ground beef to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Enhance Cheese Topping: Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar or parmesan for added depth and complexity in the final dish.
• Prep Ahead for Convenience: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a time-saving meal solution.

Storing Cabbage Roll Casserole For The Week Ahead

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Cabbage roll casserole freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Cabbage Casserole Complements

• Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: Bold Italian red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the hearty beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the richness with their tangy acidity.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Fresh cucumber, tomato, and herb salad dressed with olive oil and lemon perfectly balances the casserole's warm, robust profile while adding bright, zesty notes.
• Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or baguette slices rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil provide a crispy texture that soaks up the marinara sauce and adds delightful crunch.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Light mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette offer a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.

Cabbage Roll Casserole: Filling Change-Up Tips

• Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Casserole: Replace white rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Cabbage Casserole: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans to create a protein-rich vegetarian version that's equally satisfying.
• Keto-Friendly Cabbage Bake: Use ground turkey instead of beef, eliminate rice completely, and add extra cheese to boost fat content for a ketogenic diet-friendly meal.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified, and use gluten-free seasoning blend to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• What makes cabbage rolls different from this casserole?

This casserole is a deconstructed version of traditional cabbage rolls, eliminating the time-consuming process of individually wrapping meat in cabbage leaves. It offers the same delicious flavors with much less preparation effort.

• Is this recipe low-carb friendly?

Yes, by using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, this recipe becomes a great low-carb option that reduces overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic taste of cabbage rolls.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef, providing a leaner protein option that works perfectly with the recipe’s seasonings and overall flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

To add heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes into the meat mixture, use a spicy marinara sauce, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top before baking for an extra kick.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish comfort meets hearty home cooking in this classic Cabbage Roll Casserole, layering ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage with rich tomato sauce. Generations of family memories simmer in each comforting bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Base:

• 0.75 head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 4 cups cauliflower rice (or cooked white rice)
• 4 minced garlic cloves

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or preferred oil)
• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (omit for paleo, dairy-free, or Whole30)

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet with avocado oil over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to become aromatic, releasing its delicate fragrance.
2. Introduce ground beef into the skillet, seasoning with sea salt and black pepper. Crumble and cook the meat thoroughly until achieving a rich, uniform brown color.
3. Incorporate cauliflower rice or traditional white rice into the meat mixture, sprinkling Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile. Gently stir and let the ingredients harmonize.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a spacious baking dish for assembly. Create strategic layers alternating between seasoned meat mixture, freshly chopped cabbage, and vibrant marinara sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are elegantly distributed.
5. Generously crown the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a tempting surface. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Bake covered for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to soften. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, encouraging the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
7. Once completed, extract from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing the layers to settle and intensify in flavor before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, which reduces fat content while maintaining protein levels.
• Cauliflower rice makes this dish low-carb and keto-friendly, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional white rice.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, richer tastes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg