Looking for comfort food that brings all the hearty, homestyle flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with a fraction of the fuss? Say hello to Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, your new go-to family favorite. This beloved dish swaps out the tedious rolling for easy layering, combining tender cabbage, savory meat, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich tomato sauce under a blanket of gooey mozzarella. Whether you’re craving something warming for a busy weeknight or a cozy meal to share with friends, this casserole has everything you love from classic Eastern European cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this casserole is refreshingly straightforward, with each item serving a distinct—and delicious—purpose. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen, and together they create a dish brimming with satisfying flavors and lovely textures.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- Medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the dish’s base flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Gives the casserole that irresistible savory aroma.
- Ground beef: Provides heartiness and classic flavor; feel free to swap with all beef or turkey.
- Ground pork: Lends juiciness and an extra layer of flavor to the meat mixture.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every bite.
- Black pepper: A touch of warmth that balances the richness.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color.
- Dried oregano: Brings a hint of earthiness that brightens the tomato sauce.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Forms the savory, gently tangy base of the casserole’s sauce.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juices): Adds tender tomato chunks and extra moisture.
- Tomato paste: Boosts the dish with intense tomato flavor—just a little goes a long way.
- Cooked white rice: Absorbs the savory sauce and ensures the filling is perfectly tender.
- Green cabbage (chopped): The starring vegetable—tender, mildly sweet, and layered for delicious texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that makes each serving irresistible.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake. While it preheats, lightly grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure every scoop comes out easily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Toss in the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, letting its fragrance fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Season
Add the ground beef and ground pork to your skillet, breaking up the meat as it browns. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, stirring until the meat is fully cooked through and nicely seasoned. This savory combo is what makes the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole so full of flavor!
Step 4: Create the Tomato Sauce Mixture
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (including their juices), and tomato paste. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld into a luscious, saucy base. The aroma right now will be next-level comforting.
Step 5: Add the Cooked Rice
Remove the pan from the heat and gently mix in the cooked rice. The rice will soak up the tomato flavors and help create a hearty, cohesive filling for your casserole. If your rice is warm, that’s perfect; if not, that’s perfectly fine too!
Step 6: Layer the Cabbage and Filling
In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage, spreading it to the edges. Repeat each layer with the remaining cabbage and the last of your meat mixture. This easy layering is what sets Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole apart from the time-consuming classic roll version.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This steam-bakes the cabbage to tender perfection, allowing all the flavors to harmonize and meld together.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Pop the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling. This final bake is where the magic happens—just wait until you see that melted cheese!
Step 9: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This makes serving neater and gives the flavors a moment to settle. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley right before you dig in for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Garnishes
Nothing beats a final shower of fresh parsley for color and flavor, but don’t stop there! If you’re in the mood, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can take your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole to another level of deliciousness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole is very much a meal on its own, but it pairs gorgeously with a crisp green salad, a loaf of crusty bread, or lightly buttered peas. It’s also wonderful alongside roasted carrots or simple steamed green beans for even more color and texture on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try baking and serving individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Or, if you’re hosting a potluck, scoop generous helpings into bowls so everyone can enjoy the warmth and comfort of Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole wherever they like to gather!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, once cooled, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only deepen and improve overnight, making leftovers a treat for future meals.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual portions tightly. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes), or microwave slices on medium power. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes and check that it’s piping hot in the center.
FAQs
Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the full casserole the night before, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to compensate for the cold start.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your tomato products and spices do not contain hidden gluten. It’s a fantastic choice for those avoiding wheat—no substitutions necessary!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Definitely. Cooked brown rice works just as well as white rice in this recipe. It’ll add a slightly nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber, so use whichever you prefer or happen to have on hand.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you prefer to skip the pork, simply use all ground beef, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole. The dish is very flexible and forgiving to substitutions!
How spicy is this casserole?
The classic recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you like a little more heat. Taste and adjust seasoning to suit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that brings people together and fills your home with the promise of something truly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a night in, every cheesy, savory forkful is pure comfort!
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Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make casserole. Layers of seasoned meat, rice, cabbage, and cheese come together for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce and Layers:
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 medium head green cabbage (chopped)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add beef, pork, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer, then mix in rice.
- Layer Casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer cabbage, meat mixture, then repeat. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Top with mozzarella and bake uncovered until melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or all beef if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
