Cabbage Roll Casserole

This easy cabbage roll casserole recipe has all the elements of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling them. A hearty casserole made with simple ingredients of rice, tender cabbage, juicy, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, with plenty of melty cheese on top!

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 43

Total Time 53

Servings

Calories 588kcal

Author Sherri Hagymas

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups cabbage cut into 1” pieces (1 small cabbage)
2 teaspoons salt divided
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
8 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups white rice cooked
1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack)

Instructions

Cook 1 cup of dry rice per the package directions. (most white rice takes about 15 minutes)
2 cups white rice
Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9x13" casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat.
2 tablespoons olive oil
When the oil is warm, add the diced cabbage and 1 teaspoon of salt and sauté the cabbage for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is just barely tender. Transfer the cabbage to a bowl and set aside.
8 cups cabbage, 2 teaspoons salt
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring and browning.
1 pound ground beef
Then add the diced onion and garlic and cook for an additional 4-5minutes until the onion is tender.
1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic
Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt and stir to combine well.
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper
Remove the pan from the heat add the cooked rice and cabbage and stir to mix thoroughly.
Transfer the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
1 cup cheddar cheese
Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley

Notes

Use any favorite neutral cooking oil or butter to sauté the cabbage.

Add diced red bell peppers.

Green cabbage is best and be sure to remove the core and any tough stems before sautéing.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired..

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken or ground pork or you can leave the meat out or use a meatless crumble for a vegetarian casserole.

Use brown rice or white rice. Brown rice will take longer to cook.

Use any favorite shredded cheese besides cheddar or leave the cheese out all together. Mozzarella cheese, colby jack, pepper jack, havarti, fontina, are all great to use. Shredding the cheese off the block melts the best.

Nutrition