Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the smell of my easy cabbage roll casserole recipe wafting through the house! It’s a total game changer for those busy weeknights when I crave comfort food without the fuss. This dish brings all the hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls together in a simple casserole that the whole family loves. I remember the first time I made it—my kids devoured every last bite and asked for seconds! Trust me, once you try this easy cabbage roll casserole, it’ll become a go-to meal in your home too.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my easy cabbage roll casserole recipe a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (make sure it’s fluffy!)
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier!)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for that smoky kick)
These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you that warm, homey vibe that’s perfect for any family meal. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the easy cabbage roll casserole recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing this delicious casserole! It’s really pretty straightforward, and I promise, you’ll be feeling like a kitchen superstar by the end of it!
Prepping the Cabbage
First things first, we need to get that cabbage ready! Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the whole head of cabbage and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the leaves are tender but still a bit firm. This part can be a little tricky, so I like to use tongs to gently pull the leaves off as they soften. Set those gorgeous cabbage leaves aside to cool just a bit while we tackle the beef mixture.
Cooking the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this savory mixture for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Oh, the aroma is heavenly! Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat (nobody likes a greasy casserole!) and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Here, you’ll stir in the cooked rice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it a good mix to combine all those flavors!
Layering the Casserole
Now comes the fun part—layering! Grab your baking dish and start with half of the cabbage leaves at the bottom. This creates a beautiful base for your casserole. Next, add your beef mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the beef—this adds the perfect moisture and flavor. Finally, top it all off with the remaining cabbage leaves. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap all that goodness in, and you’re ready to bake!
Tips for Success
Want to take your easy cabbage roll casserole recipe to the next level? Here are my top tips for a flawless dish every time!
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic and onion until they’re just golden before adding the beef.
- Don’t skip the resting time—let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set up nicely.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite spices or herbs; a little Italian seasoning can add a lovely twist!
- If you want a bit of a crunch, sprinkle some cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- And remember, leftovers are just as delicious—if not better—so make sure to save some!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my easy cabbage roll casserole recipe, you’ll want to think about pairing it with some delicious sides that complement its hearty flavors. A crisp garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. If you’re in the mood for something warm, serve it alongside some buttery garlic bread—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven! And for a touch of creaminess, a scoop of sour cream on top of each serving works wonders. These simple additions will round out your meal beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your easy cabbage roll casserole, simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy days when you just want to heat and eat! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out and reheat for about 25-30 minutes. If you like a little extra crispiness on top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes. Voila! A delicious meal awaits!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for my easy cabbage roll casserole recipe per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my easy cabbage roll casserole recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or sausage works great if you want to switch things up.
What if I don’t have tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with tomato paste or even a can of vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it the night before, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You bet! Just ensure your rice is gluten-free, and you’re all set!
How do I know when it’s done?
It’s ready when the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. You’ll smell it!
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe That Comforts 7 Ways
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious cabbage roll casserole recipe that combines all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil the cabbage until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove leaves and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked beef, rice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer half of the cabbage leaves in a baking dish.
- Add the beef mixture on top of the cabbage.
- Pour diced tomatoes and tomato sauce over the beef mixture.
- Top with the remaining cabbage leaves.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use cooked rice for better flavor.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy cabbage roll casserole recipe
