Enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy, hearty casserole. This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, onions, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked together until bubbling and delicious.
There’s no need to blanch cabbage leaves or carefully roll individual portions. Simply layer everything in one baking dish, let the oven do the work, and finish with a cozy casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once browned, drain any excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Make the Tomato Mixture
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar if using.
Pour in the beef broth and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the Cabbage and Rice
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir everything together.
The cabbage may seem like a lot at first, but it will shrink considerably as it cooks.
Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is distributed evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it into an even layer and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
Check toward the end of cooking. If the rice needs more liquid, add a small amount of warm beef broth and continue baking.
7. Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a lightly browned top, place it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Roll Casserole
Chop the cabbage evenly: Smaller, uniform pieces cook more quickly and make the casserole easier to serve.
Don’t skip the foil: Keeping the casserole tightly covered helps trap steam so the rice cooks properly.
Use lean ground beef: This gives you plenty of flavor without leaving the casserole excessively greasy.
Taste the sauce: Tomato products vary in acidity. A small amount of brown sugar can balance the flavors if the sauce tastes too acidic.
Let it rest: Resting for a few minutes allows the rice and sauce to settle and makes serving easier.
Easy Variations
Ground Turkey Casserole
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Sausage and Beef
Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a richer, more savory flavor.
Extra Cheesy
Add mozzarella, cheddar, or a combination of both during the final few minutes of baking.
Spicy Version
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
Low-Carb Option
Replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Because cauliflower rice cooks much faster, add it later in the cooking process rather than baking it for the full time.
What to Serve With It
This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs especially well with:
- Crusty garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Cucumber and tomato salad
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the casserole seems dry.
The casserole can also be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time according to the type of brown rice you use.
Can I make this without cheese?
Absolutely. Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls don’t require cheese, and the casserole is delicious without it.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Allow some additional baking time if it’s going directly from the refrigerator into the oven.
Why is my cabbage still crunchy?
The cabbage needs sufficient moisture and steam to become tender. Make sure the casserole is tightly covered during the main baking period and that there is enough broth in the dish.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect shortcut when you’re craving the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without spending time rolling individual cabbage leaves.
Tender cabbage, savory ground beef, seasoned rice, and rich tomato sauce come together in one satisfying dish that’s warm, hearty, and perfect for a busy weeknight. Add melted cheese on top for an extra comforting finish, and you’ll have a family-friendly casserole that’s sure to become a regular at the dinner table.