Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is the answer to every busy cook’s craving for pure, old-fashioned comfort with zero fuss. Imagine all the goodness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—juicy ground beef, tender rice, sweet tomatoes, and that ever-so-soft cabbage—transformed into a bubbly, easy-to-assemble casserole. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers nostalgia and flavor in every forkful, making dinner both delicious and simple at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole are classic and straightforward, yet each one plays a starring role. From the gentle crunch of fresh cabbage to the savoriness of ground beef and the tang of tomatoes, every component brings texture, color, and irresistible flavor.
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for hearty flavor and a rich, satisfying casserole base.
- Chopped cabbage: This is the star ingredient, providing bulk, texture, and classic stuffed cabbage flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy layer that ties everything together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds bursts of sweetness and strengthen the tomato-forward taste.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: The rice absorbs flavor as it cooks, creating that perfect hearty bite.
- Chopped onion: For sweetness and added aromatic depth.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the entire flavor profile with just a hint of bite.
- Beef broth: Moistens the casserole and infuses every layer with savory, rich undertones.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and depth of flavor from the very first step.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and brings out the umami in the beef.
- Paprika: For subtle smokiness, warmth, and a splash of color.
- Dried oregano: A gentle, herby note that rounds out the tomato sauce beautifully.
- Black pepper: For gentle, balancing heat throughout the casserole.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning all those comforting flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): A golden, bubbly topping makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a light coating of oil or nonstick spray. This little bit of prep makes sure nothing sticks—plus, clean-up will be a breeze!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and stir until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it mingle for a minute, just until it’s aromatic and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next, crumble in the ground beef. Cook and stir until the meat loses its pink. This is when you’ll sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat every morsel, then drain off any excess fat—you want your casserole rich, not greasy.
Step 4: Mix Rice, Tomatoes, and Beef Broth
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, half of the tomato sauce, and a cup of beef broth. Stir everything together until you have a hearty, well-mixed filling, bursting with color and aroma.
Step 5: Layer the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Spread half the chopped cabbage evenly over the bottom of your prepared dish. Scoop the meaty rice mixture over that, making a generous middle layer. Top with the remaining cabbage, blanketing the savory filling like a cozy quilt.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Bake
Pour the remaining tomato sauce and beef broth all over the top, letting it trickle into every nook and cranny. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes so the flavors meld and the rice gets tender.
Step 7: Top with Cheese (Optional) and Finish Baking
Uncover the casserole, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella across the top if you’re feeling cheesy, and return it to the oven. Let it bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the sauce is bubbling up at the edges.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Pull the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before slicing into big, satisfying portions. This makes serving so much easier (and tastier) since the flavors finish settling as it rests.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole loves a handful of fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of green and brightness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to each serving for a traditional Eastern European twist and a creamy contrast to the savory tomato sauce.
Side Dishes
Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole alongside simple sides that let it shine. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans are perfect for freshness and crunch. Crusty bread, meanwhile, is the ultimate for soaking up every last drop of that tender tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can portion the casserole into ramekins for individual servings (great for guests!) or stack up slices with extra sauce and cheese for a dinner party-worthy main course. Warm leftovers also make delicious lunchbox options the next day—just add a sprinkle of cheese and reheat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole tightly and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, and it makes for fantastic next-day meals.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. You can assemble it up to the baking stage, wrap tightly (without cheese), and freeze. Or portion and freeze after baking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese if you like, and bake until heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 25–30 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved with great results—just add a splash of broth or extra sauce to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, but may need a bit longer to cook. Cauliflower rice is a great lower-carb substitute—just reduce the broth slightly to avoid excess liquid.
Can I swap the beef for another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of pork and beef all work wonderfully in this casserole. Each gives its unique twist, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
How do I avoid soggy casserole?
Be sure to drain the beef well after browning, and measure liquids carefully. Cover the casserole while baking to let the rice cook and flavors meld, then uncover at the end to let excess moisture evaporate and the top brown nicely.
Is it possible to make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole vegetarian?
You sure can! Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or swap in lentils for a hearty, meatless version. Vegetable broth works perfectly in place of beef broth for flavor.
Can I assemble Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is your new go-to for cozy, family-style comfort food that’s every bit as satisfying as the classic, with none of the tedium. If you’re ready for a weeknight meal that hits all the right notes, give this casserole a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!