If you adore the classic comfort of stuffed cabbage rolls but wish you could skip the time-consuming wrapping, you’ll fall head-over-heels for Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole. This feel-good, family-style dish layers hearty ground beef, sweet cabbage, tender rice, and a tangy tomato sauce into a bubbling bake that’s far easier (and just as satisfying) as the original. Every spoonful delivers a perfect medley of savory beef, soft veggies, and gentle spices—guaranteed to warm your heart and fill your kitchen with nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple ingredient list is the backbone of Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole, with each component playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re on your way to the coziest meal you’ll make all week.
- Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef for a rich, savory foundation—swap for turkey if you’d like a lighter version.
- Cabbage: A small head, chopped, adds crunch and sweetness as it bakes down to silky perfection.
- Onion: Diced onion brings classic savory depth and a hint of gentle bite.
- Tomato Sauce: The can delivers smooth, tangy richness to marry the flavors together.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of acidity—don’t drain the can, as the juices are key!
- Uncooked Rice: Just half a cup makes the whole casserole hearty and satisfying, soaking up all those delicious juices.
- Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A tablespoon of flavor magic—use sweet or smoky paprika for your personal twist.
How to Make Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by grabbing your favorite heavy pot or deep skillet, and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef, add the diced onion, and cook them together until the beef loses its pink and the onions are soft and fragrant. Spoon off any excess fat, but leave just a bit behind to keep things luscious.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, Rice, and Seasonings
Once everything’s sizzling and golden, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (liquid included), uncooked rice, paprika, salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Give it all a thorough mix so the rice and seasonings are evenly distributed—these will infuse the whole casserole with warmth and zip as they bake.
Step 3: Stir in the Chopped Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage into your pot and fold it gently through the beef mixture. At first, it might feel like too much cabbage, but give it a couple of careful stirs; it will wilt down as you combine everything. This step guarantees every bite is packed with sweet, tender strands of cabbage.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. When the time’s up, the rice should be tender and the casserole bubbly all over. If you like the top extra caramelized, uncover for the last 10 minutes.
How to Serve Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Garnishes
Brighten up each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill for color and a pop of freshness. A dollop of sour cream on top does wonders to bring out that lovely tang, especially if you took the optional dash of vinegar advice.
Side Dishes
Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is a meal in itself, but if you’re feeling extra, pair it with a basket of crusty bread for sopping up the tomatoey goodness. A crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed green beans make excellent, light partners to balance out the hearty bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion your casserole into ramekins for individual servings—perfect for company or a cozy dinner for two. You could even scoop leftovers inside hollowed bell peppers for next-day stuffed pepper magic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole keeps its flavor and texture beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors just keep getting better overnight.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Once completely cooled, wrap well with both plastic wrap and foil or pack into individual freezer containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll be ready for a quick bake when you need dinner in a snap.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave, covered with a plate or microwave-safe lid, until piping hot. For larger amounts, pop your dish (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven until warmed through—add a splash of water or broth if it looks a little dry.
FAQs
Can I make Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in your fridge. Just bake it when ready, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a substitute?
If using brown rice, cook it partially ahead of time, as it takes longer than white rice. For a lower-carb option, stir in cooked cauliflower rice—the casserole will be a bit saucier but just as tasty.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the base ingredients in Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your canned ingredients and seasonings to be sure.
Can I add cheese on top?
Of course! A layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar in the last 10 minutes of baking turns this into a gooey-topped casserole your family will go wild for.
How do I add more flavor or a tangy note?
Just a splash of vinegar—apple cider or red wine—mixed into the sauce before baking adds wonderful tang and brightness. You could also stir in a spoonful of sugar if your tomatoes are a bit sharp.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your weeknight rotation. It’s hearty, homey, and brings all the joy of classic cabbage rolls with none of the fuss. Set aside that rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and let your oven do the magic—you’re in for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat!
Print
Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
All the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls — without the rolling! This hearty one-pot meal is savory, comforting, and easy to make.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Cabbage:
1 small head, chopped
Onion:
1, diced
Tomato Sauce:
1 can (15 oz)
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (15 oz)
Rice:
½ cup uncooked
Seasonings:
1 tsp paprika, salt, pepper
Instructions
- Brown beef and onion: In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion.
- Add ingredients: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, rice, and seasonings to the pot.
- Stir in cabbage: Mix in the chopped cabbage.
- Transfer and bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 375 °F for 45 minutes or until rice is tender.
Notes
- Add a dash of vinegar for a tangy finish.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Main / Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Eastern European / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
