Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. It’s not heavy or overly complicated either. I think it’s a perfect meal for any time of the year, and if you’re not a fan of ground beef, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.

It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place. When you make a flavorful ground meat mixture and layer it with tender cabbage and rice, you get the perfect casserole. The addition of tomato sauce just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for something homey, and this dreamy casserole reminds me of comfort food at its best. Not a fan of cabbage? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious with other vegetables.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Mix in Spices and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, and mix well. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cabbage, uncooked rice, beef broth, and half of the meat mixture. Mix well.
5. Layer the Casserole:
   • Spread half of the cabbage mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining meat mixture. Add the remaining cabbage mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender.
7. Add Cheese:
   • Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy cabbage roll casserole!

This Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a fantastic and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful rice is simply irresistible! Enjoy the rich flavors and the ease of preparation with this delightful recipe.