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Cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food in many kitchens, but let’s be honest—they can be a lot of work. Boiling cabbage leaves, carefully wrapping them around meat and rice, and then simmering everything takes time and patience. This layered cabbage roll casserole delivers all the hearty, cozy flavors you love, without any of the fuss.
Instead of rolling individual leaves, everything is layered right into a casserole dish. Chopped cabbage, savory ground beef, uncooked rice, and a rich tomato-based mixture bake together into a tender, satisfying meal. The real magic happens when the flavorful sauce and broth soak through the layers, creating a perfectly cooked, comforting dish that tastes like it took hours to make.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you want classic comfort food with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cabbage roll casserole is simple, filling, and deeply comforting. There’s no need to pre-cook the rice or fuss with cabbage leaves. Everything bakes together in one dish, letting the flavors meld beautifully. It feeds a crowd, reheats well, and tastes even better the next day.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
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1 head green cabbage, shredded
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1 cup uncooked white rice
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1 teaspoon salt
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3 cups beef broth
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1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, then add the ground beef. Break up the meat as it cooks and sauté until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, salt, and half of the black pepper. Mix well. This mixture will cook and thicken as the casserole bakes.
4. Assemble the Layers
In a large casserole dish, start layering:
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One-third of the shredded cabbage
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One-third of the cooked ground beef
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One-third of the tomato-rice mixture
Repeat the layers two more times, ending with the sauce mixture on top.
5. Add the Broth
Pour the beef broth evenly over the entire casserole. This ensures the rice cooks fully and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake
Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining black pepper over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Optional Cheesy Upgrade
For a delicious twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top before baking. The cheese melts into the layers and adds a comforting, gooey finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to stand alone and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts
This layered cabbage roll casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and bold, familiar flavors, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table without the extra work. If you love classic cabbage rolls but want a faster, simpler version, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
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