Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make version of the traditional cabbage rolls without all the rolling! Layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and rice are baked together in a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This casserole has all the classic flavors of cabbage rolls but requires far less effort, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you have a wholesome, delicious dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the sauce: Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice and remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the cabbage is tender. If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley and serve hot.
This Cabbage Roll Casserole is a cozy, hearty dish that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with a fraction of the work!
