Ultimate Cabbage Rolls Casserole for Comfort Lovers

There’s something so heartwarming about the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the house. This Cabbage Rolls Casserole warms the soul and fills your kitchen with a cozy scent that’ll make everyone rush to the table. It’s been making waves lately because who doesn’t love a hearty dish that brings back memories of family dinners?

Imagine the comforting vibes of classic cabbage rolls without all that rolling. This dish combines tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and savory rice all baked together to perfection. It’s simple to make, like your grandma’s version but way easier, and the best part? It uses pantry staples that you probably have on hand. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a busy mom’s dream!

I started making this casserole back in 2015 after a long week of juggling work and family. My daughter exclaimed, “It smells like home!” right when it came out of the oven. I learned that letting the flavors blend overnight in the fridge makes it even better the next day. With over a decade of blogging, I’ve whipped up countless recipes, but this one always brings everyone back to the table for seconds.

Thomas Baker

Cabbage Rolls Casserole Delicious Easy and Quick Recipe

This Cabbage Rolls Casserole brings all the wonderful flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one. It’s a perfect Lazy Golumpki Casserole No Rolling that’s both hearty and tasty. Enjoy this Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole for a comforting, easy, and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 182

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups onion chopped about 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3/4 cup uncooked converted rice like Minute Rice
• 2 1/2 cups tomato pasta sauce or 1 large can tomato sauce spicy or your favorite flavor
• 3 Tablespoons vinegar
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 8-9 cups cabbage shredded about 1/2 large head of cabbage

Method

 

1. Heat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish well.
2. Cook the ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and crumbled, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice into the beef mixture and remove from the heat.
4. In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spread one third of the shredded cabbage evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish.
6. Add half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer.
7. Pour one third of the tomato sauce mixture over the beef and rice.
8. Repeat with another one third of the cabbage, the remaining beef and rice mixture, and then another third of the sauce.
9. Top everything with the last third of the cabbage and the remaining sauce.
10. Cover the casserole tightly and bake it for 45 minutes.
11. After baking, remove the cover and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the cabbage softens, rice finishes cooking, and the dish is bubbling.
12. Once done, gently mix the layers before serving warm.

Notes

• Layer order: 1/3 cabbage, 1/2 rice mixture, 1/3 tomato sauce mixture (approximately 1 1/4 cups);
• then repeat with next 1/3 cabbage, remaining rice mixture, and another 1/3 sauce;
• finally top with last 1/3 cabbage and remaining sauce.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for as long as 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Rolls Casserole

• Simple Preparation: This recipe lets you enjoy the classic flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Just layer and bake!
• Hearty Comfort: With tender cabbage, savory beef, and flavorful rice, each bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Freezer-Friendly: Cook once and enjoy multiple times! Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated for busy days.
• Family-Approved: A hit with both kids and adultsthis dish brings everyone back to the table.

Key Ingredients & Tools

Before we dive in, let’s discuss the essentials you’ll need to create this delicious Cabbage Rolls Casserole:

• Ground Beef: The star protein! Choose your favorite type for the best flavor.
• Cabbage: Fresh and tender, about half a large head, the main leafy ingredient here.
• Rice: Uncooked converted rice like Minute Rice works best for quick cooking in the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite flavorspicy or classicfor that comforting tomato goodness.
• Cooking Tools: You’ll need a 9×13 casserole dish and a skillet to sauté your ingredients.

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic for about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the rice to the beef mixture, stir it together, and set it aside.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Now, let’s layer: Start with ⅓ cup of cabbage, followed by half of the beef-rice mixture, then drizzle with ⅓ of the sauce.
6. Repeat the layers until everything is used, finishing with the last of the sauce on top.
7. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15-30 minutes until bubbly.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Dry: If your casserole seems dry after baking, add a splash of water before reheating and cover with foil.
• Rice Not Cooked: If the rice isn’t tender after the total baking time, extend the cooking time, checking every 5 minutes.
• Cabbage Texture: If you prefer softer cabbage, you can pre-blanch the leaves before layering.

Storage Tips

This Cabbage Rolls Casserole is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

Tweaks and Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds!

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate grated carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients!
• Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or sausage can offer a nice change!
• Spice it Up: If you like a kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.

Expert Says

Cabbage rolls casserole combines flavors beautifully while offering the health benefits of cabbage, which is rich in vitamins C and K. Cooking the dish slowly allows the ingredients to meld, enhancing the taste and making the cabbage tender, resulting in a comforting meal that’s easy to enjoy and digest.

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The Journey to My Perfect Cabbage Rolls Casserole

Perfecting this cabbage rolls casserole was a true adventure! I still chuckle thinking about the time I grabbed the wrong spices and ended up with a very unexpected flavor. After a few heartfelt attempts, I finally created a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly nightcomforting and satisfying, just like my grandma made.

FAQs ( Cabbage Rolls Casserole )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Cabbage Rolls Casserole turns outcomforting, fragrant, and oh-so-easy! In just about an hour, you’ll create a dish that not only warms the belly but also the heart. Trust me; it’s pure cozy goodness.

For a fun twist, swap out the beef for turkey or toss in some extra veggiescarrots or bell peppers work wonders! And don’t forget, this casserole just gets better with time, so store leftovers in the fridge for up to three daysif they last that long! A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is that letting flavors mingle overnight makes it even tastier.

Have you ever made something like this? I’d love to hear your stories! Share your photos and thoughts below. This recipe is perfect for gathering loved ones around the tablesave it, share it, and embrace the comfort of home-cooking!