Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Meet your next favorite comfort meal: Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole. This dish brings all the hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each leaf. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, especially when the temperatures start to dip.

Ingredients for Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole

Cabbage: The star of the dish, cabbage provides structure and a mild flavor that absorbs the delicious beefy sauce.

Ground beef: This adds richness and protein, making the casserole hearty and satisfying.

White rice: A filler that ensures every bite is substantial; it soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Onion and garlic: These aromatics lay the flavor foundation, complementing the meat and sauce.

Tomato sauce and beef broth: Together, they form a savory, tangy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.

Cheddar cheese: Added at the end, it gives the casserole a creamy, melted topping that’s hard to resist.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandolin slicer to get your cabbage uniformly thin and evenly cooked.
  • If you like a bit more spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
  • Make it ahead of time! This casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it with roasted root vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork can be great substitutes if you're looking to mix things up.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go once your casserole is assembled. Meanwhile, cook your rice according to the package instructions; once done, set it aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook it with the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Grab a large baking dish and start with a layer of chopped cabbage at the bottom. On top of the cabbage, spread a layer of your beef and sauce mixture. Alternate layers of cabbage and beef mixture until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cabbage.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to assemble, no rolling required.
  • Packed with rich, savory flavors.
  • Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
  • Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
  • Comforting and satisfying for cold days.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink.
4. Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, mixing well with the beef mixture. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of chopped cabbage at the bottom.
7. Add a layer of the beef and sauce mixture over the cabbage.
8. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cabbage.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
10. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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