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Cabbage Roll Casserole: A Hearty and Comforting Family Favorite
When it comes to comforting, hearty meals that are both satisfying and flavorful, Cabbage Roll Casserole is a dish that truly hits the spot. If you love the traditional taste of stuffed cabbage rolls but are looking for a simpler and less time-consuming way to enjoy them, this casserole recipe is the perfect solution. Packed with ground meat, rice, tangy tomato sauce, and tender cabbage, this casserole offers all the classic flavors of cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one individually.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a dish to impress family and friends, Cabbage Roll Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so beloved and how you can easily make it at home!
Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Simple to Make: This casserole takes all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls but skips the complicated rolling process. It’s much quicker and easier to prepare!
- Hearty and Filling: With ground meat, rice, and cabbage, this dish is incredibly hearty and satisfying. It’s a great meal that will keep you full for hours.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile and can be easily adjusted based on your preferences. You can switch up the type of meat, add extra seasonings, or even make it a vegetarian dish with plant-based ground meat and rice.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of tangy tomato sauce, savory meat, and tender cabbage creates the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for colder months or whenever you need a little extra warmth.
Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Casserole
To make this delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage – chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for different flavor options)
- 1 cup cooked rice – white rice or brown rice works well
- 1 medium onion – chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes – for that tangy, savory base
- 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste – to thicken and add richness
- 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce – the main component of the sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for a nice herby flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – a classic herb that complements cabbage and tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a bit of smokiness and depth
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the meat and vegetables
- Shredded cheese (optional) – mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix for topping
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Casserole Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Cook the rice according to the package instructions. This will typically take around 15-20 minutes for white rice, or a bit longer for brown rice. Once done, set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef (or your preferred ground meat) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the oregano, basil, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 5: Add the Cabbage and Rice
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cooked rice into the skillet, mixing well until the cabbage is coated with the sauce. The cabbage will begin to soften as it cooks down. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, just until the cabbage begins to wilt.
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