Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic, Simplified
This cabbage roll casserole recipe offers a delicious and easier twist on a traditional, time-consuming dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe maintains all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the tedious wrapping process. Get ready to impress your family with this easy cabbage roll casserole!
What Makes This Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe Special?
This recipe streamlines the cabbage roll process, resulting in a comforting and flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour. Here's what sets it apart:
- Simplified Preparation: No more painstakingly rolling individual cabbage leaves! This recipe layers the ingredients for easy assembly.
- Hearty and Flavorful: Expect all the classic flavors of a traditional cabbage roll—tender beef, savory rice, and tangy tomato sauce.
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 large head of green cabbage, cored and shredded (about 8 cups)
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for extra moisture)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. If using, add beef broth.
- Layer the Casserole: In a large (9x13 inch) baking dish, layer half of the shredded cabbage. Pour the meat and tomato mixture over the cabbage. Top with the remaining shredded cabbage.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the top is lightly browned.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and delicious easy cabbage roll casserole!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Some Spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 (15-ounce) can of drained and rinsed black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
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