If you love the comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but want a quicker, easier way to enjoy them, then Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is exactly what you need in your life! This dish gives you all the deliciousness of the classic stuffed cabbage, with tender cabbage, savory meat, and tangy tomato sauce, but it’s all baked together in a hearty casserole form. No rolling, no fuss, just layers of comforting goodness that are perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Every bite of this casserole is packed with rich flavors, and the best part is that it’s one of those dishes that gets even better the next day, making leftovers a treat you’ll actually look forward to. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

This isn’t just any casserole this is Stuffed Cabbage Casserole, and it’s here to steal the show. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: You can serve it on a cozy weeknight or bring it to a potluck and be the star of the party. It’s perfect for any occasion.

Budget-Friendly: Packed with simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, and cabbage, this dish is easy on the wallet but big on flavor.

Quick and Easy: No more spending hours rolling cabbage leaves. This casserole takes a fraction of the time and is just as delicious.

Customizable: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat or tofu.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, from picky eaters to those who love big, hearty flavors.

Ingredients in Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty casserole:

Cabbage: The base of this dish. It’s tender and flavorful, soaking up all the savory ingredients as it bakes.

Ground Beef: The meat that brings richness and depth to the casserole. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Rice: A fluffy, filling ingredient that pairs perfectly with the savory meat and cabbage.

Tomato Sauce: For that tangy, slightly sweet flavor that makes the casserole irresistibly delicious.

Onion and Garlic: For the flavor base that makes everything come together beautifully.

Diced Tomatoes: Adds a bit more texture and flavor to the tomato sauce.

Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs like thyme or oregano give this casserole its comforting flavor profile.

Cheese: Optional, but a layer of shredded cheese on top can give this casserole that extra creamy, melty goodness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make this flavorful casserole:

Prepare the Cabbage

Start by removing the core from the cabbage and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want the pieces to be small enough to bake evenly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the cabbage, and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender but still holds its shape. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove excess fat, and add the onion and garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and all your seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, etc.). Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Layer the Casserole

In a large casserole dish, start by layering half of the cooked cabbage on the bottom. Top it with half of the meat mixture, then sprinkle half of the cooked rice over the top. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Then, uncover the casserole and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the top brown slightly. If you’re adding cheese, bake until melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 300
(Note: approximate values)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it up:

– Pair with a fresh green salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
– Serve with some garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
– For an extra veggie boost, serve with roasted or steamed vegetables on the side.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– If you prefer a slightly crispy texture on the cabbage, you can roast it in the oven before assembling the casserole.
– Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, to the casserole to make it even more filling.
– For a deeper flavor, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will intensify, and it’s even easier to bake the next day.
– If you don’t have a casserole dish, you can use any large oven-safe dish to make this recipe.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it from frozen or thaw it overnight and bake as usual.

4. Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Yes! Adding cheese to the top during the last few minutes of baking gives it a deliciously melty and golden finish.

5. How long does this casserole keep in the fridge?
It will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers.

6. Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
You can use cooked rice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. If you’re using cooked rice, layer it in after the meat mixture is ready.

7. Can I make this without tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato paste, but the flavor may be a little different. Adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to bulk up the casserole.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use a spicy tomato sauce for a little heat.

10. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
You can use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture, but regular green cabbage works best for this recipe.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole takes all the flavors of the classic stuffed cabbage rolls and turns them into a hearty, comforting casserole that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this dish is a guaranteed hit. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and dig into a dish that’s as flavorful as it is cozy!

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