Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is for everyone who loves classic comfort food but can’t be bothered with all that rolling and fussing. Maybe you’re craving the good stuff, but weeknight chaos leaves your kitchen looking like a tornado swept through. I’ve been there. This brings all the flavor, none of the “ugh, why is this taking so long?” feelings. Seriously: I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s hearty, homey, and straight-up easier than real cabbage rolls.
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
Alright, let me break it down for you. First, you just chop up your cabbage—nothing fancy, just rough chunks so it softens nicely. I usually brown ground beef with some onions and garlic (turkey works too). Toss in a can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a handful of cooked rice. Add a nice sprinkle of salt and pepper. Here’s where it gets wild—layer shredded cabbage, your meat mixture, and a touch more tomato sauce in a big ol’ casserole dish. It’s kind of like lazy lasagna, but with cabbage.
Top it with some shredded cheese right at the end. Just toss it in the oven, maybe set a timer slightly longer than you need because, let’s be real, I always underestimate how long things take. Let the edges get bubbly and brown. That’s when you know it’s done. Grab a big spoon and serve it up hot.
By the way, if you do like measuring things (some folks do, bless you!), check out the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Ingredients for all the details. It’s forgiving. If you add extra cheese or sneak in a little hot sauce, no one’s judging.
“I made this for a family dinner and every single person wanted seconds. I’ve never seen my picky eaters so happy about cabbage before!”
—Sandra J.
What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole
Wondering what goes nice with your big dish of cabbage goodness? Here are a few simple moves:
- Some crusty bread for sopping up those juicy tomato bits. Trust me.
- A crisp green salad. It’s the crunch you never knew you needed.
- A spoonful of sour cream on top—not fancy, just fabulous.
- Roasted carrots or potatoes if you’re feelin’ it, but really, anything goes!
Basically, nothing here needs to be complicated, just whatever makes you happy to eat.
How to Store and Freeze Cabbage Casserole Leftovers
If you’ve actually got leftovers (rare at my house!), let it cool to room temp. Then pop it in a resealable container and stick it in the fridge. It holds up for about four days. Warm it up in the microwave or a low oven. Oddly enough, the sauce soaks in and it might taste even better the next day—like leftover pizza vibes. If you wanna freeze it, use airtight containers. It’ll keep about two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight if you remember. Sometimes I forget and do the “room temp thaw,” but honestly, just don’t tell the food safety police.
Tips For The Best Cabbage Casserole
Let me throw some real-world tips your way. Use savoy cabbage if you want it extra tender. Try adding a hint of smoked paprika if you’re feelin’ adventurous. Don’t be shy with seasoning—cabbage is like a flavor sponge. If rice sometimes comes out a little… mushy? Maybe use slightly undercooked rice, so it finishes in the sauce. Also, taste as you go. If it’s bland, add another sprinkle of salt or a dash of Worcestershire. Oh, and if you forget the cheese on top, it’s not the end of the world—but gosh, it’s really good bubbly.
How To Make Ahead Cabbage Roll Casserole
Honestly, one of my favorite moves—make this dish up to the baking point and cover tightly with foil. Stick it in the fridge a day ahead. When dinner comes around, pull it out to come to room temp for a half-hour, then bake as usual. Sometimes I prep it on Sunday, so Monday doesn’t feel like a punishment. This casserole also travels well, so if you need to feed a crowd at a potluck, you’ll be everyone’s new favorite. You can even assemble and freeze it unbaked if you’re super organized, which, hats off to you.
Common Questions
Is Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole gluten-free?
If you stick to plain rice and don’t add breadcrumbs, yep, you’re in the clear!
Can I swap the ground beef for another meat?
Totally—ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work fine.
Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
Nope, it softens right in the oven. That’s the magic.
Can I add extra veggies?
Sure, toss in bell peppers or carrots. It’s a kitchen free-for-all.
If You Make Just One Casserole This Week
I’m just gonna say it: you’ve gotta try this. Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is easier, tastier, and practically foolproof—even if your “casserole skills” are shaky. It’s cozy, filling, and pretty wallet-friendly, too. For the inspired (or the extra hungry), I’d recommend bouncing over to this Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe for more inspiration, or peep the ingredient breakdown at Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Ingredients. Happy cooking—seriously, this one’s worth it.
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Chop the cabbage into rough chunks.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic.
- Combine the browned meat with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- In a large casserole dish, layer shredded cabbage followed by the meat mixture, and then a layer of tomato sauce.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and brown.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a salad.