Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for cabbage roll casserole! It’s just the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and bursting with flavors that remind me of cozy family gatherings. You see, my grandma used to make traditional cabbage rolls, and while they were delicious, they took forever to prepare! This baked version is a total game changer. It captures all those incredible flavors in a simplified way, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together with friends. The aroma of garlic and beef mingling with tender cabbage leaves brings back such fond memories. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on repeat!

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Casserole

1 medium head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

How to Prepare Cabbage Roll Casserole

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part! While the oven heats up, you can get started on the cabbage and beef mixture.

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Now, let’s tackle that cabbage! Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While that’s happening, carefully remove the core from the cabbage head. Once the water is bubbling away, gently place the cabbage in and boil the leaves for about 5 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender. Be careful when you’re handling them; they can be a bit slippery! After boiling, drain the leaves and set them aside to cool a bit.

Cook the Beef Mixture

In a skillet, heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat! Once that’s done, stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together well; it should smell heavenly!

Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part—layering! Grab a greased baking dish and start by placing a layer of cabbage leaves on the bottom. Then, add a generous layer of your beef mixture. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cabbage on top. If you’re feeling cheesy (and who isn’t?), sprinkle that shredded cheese over the top before you pop it in the oven!

Bake the Casserole

Time to let the magic happen! Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this will help everything set just right. And don’t forget that cheesy topping; it adds a delightful touch!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect cabbage roll casserole is all about a few key tips that I’ve picked up over the years. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, don’t worry! You can easily swap it with ground turkey or even lentils for a delicious vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for lentils, as they may need a bit longer to soften.
Rice Choices: I often use long-grain rice, but you can switch it up with brown rice for extra fiber. Just keep in mind that brown rice will take a bit longer to cook, so you might want to par-cook it before adding it to the mix.
Spice It Up: Feel free to play around with spices! If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper. You can also throw in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
Cooking Time: Make sure to keep an eye on your casserole while it bakes. Ovens can vary, so if you’re noticing it’s getting too brown on top but the middle isn’t heated through, cover it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
Let It Rest: After you pull it out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little, making it easier to scoop out those lovely layers without everything falling apart.

With these tips, your cabbage roll casserole will turn out amazing every time. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information you might be curious about. Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare the dish. While I’ve provided some general estimates, they’re not set in stone. It’s always a good idea to estimate values based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes. So, feel free to adjust as needed and enjoy this delicious cabbage roll casserole without any worries!

FAQ about Cabbage Roll Casserole

What’s the cooking time for this cabbage roll casserole?
You’ll want to bake it for about 1 hour at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and the flavors have melded together. Just keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary!

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or even a plant-based meat substitute. It’ll still be delicious and comforting!

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I freeze cabbage roll casserole?
Yes! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and it should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What can I serve alongside this casserole?
I love serving it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. It makes for a well-rounded meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.
Comforting Flavors: It’s packed with all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but simplified into a cozy baked dish that warms you from the inside out.
One-Pan Wonder: With everything baked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze! You get to enjoy a delicious meal without the chaos of multiple pots and pans.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your preferences, whether you want to go meatless or spice things up a bit!
Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or having delicious lunches ready to go.

Serving Suggestions

To create a complete and satisfying meal alongside your delicious cabbage roll casserole, I recommend serving it with a fresh, crisp side salad. A simple mix of greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette really complements the hearty flavors of the casserole. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more substantial, some crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up that savory sauce. You might even consider pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables for an extra pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable!

Cabbage Roll Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers of Love

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Eastern European
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting cabbage roll casserole that combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, baked dish.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and boil the leaves until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
In a greased baking dish, layer cabbage leaves with the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
Cover with remaining cabbage leaves and top with cheese if desired.
Bake for 1 hour or until heated through. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
Feel free to add spices according to your taste.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cabbage roll casserole, comfort food, baked dish, easy recipe

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