Cabbage Roll Casserole – Easy Comfort Food Classic

Cabbage Roll Casserole takes everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls — the tender cabbage, savory ground meat, rice, and rich tomato sauce — and transforms it into an easy, layered bake that’s full of homey flavor. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or family dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying without all the rolling and stuffing. I once tried it with a mix of beef and sausage, and the flavor was wonderfully rich and aromatic. This casserole captures all the comforting essence of the original dish in a much simpler, fuss-free way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings all the nostalgia of traditional cabbage rolls with half the effort. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make ahead. The layers of cabbage, beef, rice, and tomato sauce meld together beautifully during baking, creating a rich, hearty meal. It’s perfect for meal prepping, budget-friendly, and a great way to sneak more vegetables into your dinner. Plus, it reheats even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef – Lean ground beef forms the hearty base of the dish. You can also mix it with pork or sausage for added flavor.

Cabbage – Chopped green cabbage provides the bulk and a mild sweetness that balances the savory sauce.

Cooked rice – Helps bind the meat mixture and gives the casserole its classic texture. White rice works best, but brown rice is a great option too.

Onion and garlic – Add depth and aromatic richness to the meat mixture.

Tomato sauce – The foundation of the casserole’s sauce, adding acidity and sweetness.

Diced tomatoes – Give texture and freshness to the tomato layer while enhancing the overall flavor.

Tomato paste – Concentrates the flavor, making the sauce richer and thicker.

Beef broth – Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful as it bakes.

Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.

Paprika and dried thyme – Add warmth and subtle earthiness to the sauce.

Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.

Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional) – Sprinkled on top for a gooey, comforting finish.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Add cooked rice and mix well.

In the prepared baking dish, layer half the chopped cabbage, then spread half the meat and rice mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra richness.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the casserole is bubbling. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving — this helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Essential Equipment

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 55 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm portions in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. This casserole also freezes beautifully — let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Top the casserole with mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooey, golden crust.

Turkey Cabbage Casserole

Use ground turkey for a leaner option that’s still full of flavor.

Spicy Version

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a subtle heat.

Low-Carb Option

Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly version.

Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Casserole

Skip the meat and use lentils or quinoa in the filling for a hearty vegetarian dish.

Smoky Bacon Twist

Add chopped, cooked bacon to the filling for an extra smoky, savory depth.

Sauerkraut Layer

Add a thin layer of sauerkraut for a tangy contrast to the tomato sauce.

Mediterranean Style

Use ground lamb, oregano, and feta for a Greek-inspired twist.

Slow Cooker Option

Assemble the layers in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Creamy Tomato Version

Stir a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce for a richer texture.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, it’s best to use cooked rice — uncooked rice won’t absorb enough liquid and may remain hard.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Absolutely — cover tightly and freeze before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 20 minutes to the cook time.

What kind of cabbage should I use?

Green cabbage is traditional and works best for its mild flavor and tender texture.

Can I use ground pork or sausage?

Yes, they add great flavor and richness to the dish.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots make excellent additions to the filling.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cabbage should be tender and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if all your ingredients (especially broth) are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve with it?

Pair it with a green salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Cabbage Roll Casserole is a wholesome, hearty dish that combines simplicity with deep, comforting flavor. It’s perfect for when you crave the taste of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have time for all the rolling and prep work. With its layers of savory meat, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and family-approved — a timeless recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table.

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