Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves layered with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It captures the essence of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in an easy-to-prepare casserole form that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Grains
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Blanch Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage. Carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage head and trim the thick veins from the center of each leaf to make them pliable for layering. Set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine and develop flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer the cabbage leaves on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Then add another layer of cabbage leaves, followed by the remaining beef mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften further.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is slightly browned and bubbly, adding a nice texture and color to the dish.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage roll casserole, a comforting meal that’s sure to please your family.
Notes
- Blanching the cabbage makes the leaves flexible and easier to layer without breaking.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder taste.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead; just refrigerate and bake when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
