Dinner

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

ByNoah Steele October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. It combines ground meat, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato sauce baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

A close-up of a thick slice of layered stuffed cabbage on a white plate with a speckled texture, showing about four layers; the bottom layer is cooked ground meat in brown with a crumbly texture, followed by soft, translucent pale green cabbage leaves, then a layer of orange tomato sauce mixed with small diced carrots, topped with fresh bright green chopped parsley scattered over the top and around the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface with blurred white bowls and bread in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 head cabbage (chopped into bite-sized pieces)

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz, with juice)

1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tsp paprika
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage first, then half of the cooked rice, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat these layers once more.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy cabbage roll casserole!

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb version.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for varied flavor.
To save time, prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A thick slice of layered cabbage roll sits centered on a white plate with a grey speckled edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground beef with a coarse texture, topped by soft, translucent cabbage leaves with light green and white shades. Over the cabbage is a chunky orange-red tomato sauce with visible bits of cooked carrot and onion. The top layer is sprinkled with chopped fresh green parsley, adding a pop of bright color. In the background, there are two slices of lightly toasted white bread and a small white bowl with a white sauce garnished with green herbs, softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground meat with plant-based protein alternatives, lentils, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, pre-cooked rice ensures it cooks properly in the casserole. Using uncooked rice could result in a crunchy texture since the baking time isn’t long enough to fully cook raw rice.