Cabbage Roll Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
428 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Description
The Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty layered dish combining cooked cabbage squares with a thickened ground beef or pork tomato sauce enriched with garlic, onion, and spices. Cooked rice is folded into the sauce to add body and texture. The cabbage is softened in a skillet to prevent undercooked crunch after baking. After assembling layers of cabbage and meat sauce, the casserole is baked covered for 45 minutes to meld flavors and soften further. A mixture of cheese, egg, and milk is added as a topping and baked uncovered to create a creamy, lightly browned finish.
The combination of seasonings like paprika and thyme complements the mild cabbage and savory meat, creating a balanced dish that works well as a comforting main course. The casserole’s layered style mimics traditional cabbage rolls without the labor of assembling individual parcels. The cheese topping adds a slightly creamy texture and richness that contrasts with the tangy tomato sauce.
For best results, frying or otherwise draining the cabbage before layering is important to avoid excess moisture. The grated cheese topping is optional but recommended; if omitted, covering the casserole during the final bake prevents drying. The recipe allows for flexibility in meat choice and rice type, accepting both white or brown rice and beef, pork, or a combination.
This casserole can be served alone or paired with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers reheat well, making it suitable for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or pork, or ½ pound of each, lean
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can, canned
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups rice white or brown, cooked
- 1 head green cabbage large, about 12 to 14 cups chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon dill optional, dried
Topping
- 2 cups gruyere cheese or monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown beef or pork, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat. Stir in diced tomatoes (including juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, & seasonings. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add cooked rice.
- Meanwhile, chop cabbage into 1" squares, rinse and shake dry. Heat oil in a skillet and add ½ of the cabbage and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook just until softened (about 10 minutes). Repeat with remaining cabbage.
- Place ½ of the cabbage in a 9x13 casserole dish. Top with ½ of the meat sauce. Repeat layers. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Topping
- In a small bowl combine cheese, egg, and milk. Remove foil, top casserole with cheese mixture, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef, pork, or a mix for good flavor and texture balance.
- Cook approximately 2 cups of rice before mixing; ⅔ cup uncooked rice yields about this amount.
- Pre-cook cabbage by frying, steaming, or boiling, ensuring it’s well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- The cheese topping is optional; if skipped, keep the casserole covered during the last 20 minutes of baking to prevent drying out.
- Cauliflower rice can substitute for regular rice if pre-cooked and well drained.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 428 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 428 | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 98mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 647mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 827mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 929IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 71mg | 79% |
| Calcium | 463mg | 46% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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