Cabbage Roll Casserole

If you’re looking for a cabbage roll casserole that gives you all the cozy flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage without spending time rolling individual leaves, this is the recipe to keep handy. It combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce in one hearty casserole.

I especially like this version for those nights when I want a filling homemade dinner but don’t want a complicated recipe. The cabbage softens beautifully as it bakes, the rice soaks up the savory tomato sauce, and the ground beef makes every serving satisfying.

It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that tastes even better the next day, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prep. Cabbage roll casseroles are commonly made as an unstuffed shortcut to classic cabbage rolls, using the same familiar combination of cabbage, meat, rice, and tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of cabbage rolls without stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves.
• Hearty and filling thanks to ground beef and rice.
• Simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand.
• One-dish comfort food that works well for busy weeknight dinners.
• Great leftovers because the flavors come together even more after resting.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (28 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Sour cream, for serving

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Brown the beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until browned and the onion has softened.

Add the garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Add the tomato mixture

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer for about 3–4 minutes so the flavors begin to come together.

4. Add the cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the cabbage starts to soften.

You don’t need to cook it completely at this stage—it will continue cooking in the oven.

5. Assemble the casserole

Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the beef and cabbage mixture over the rice.

Pour the beef broth evenly over everything, then gently stir or toss the mixture in the baking dish so the rice is distributed throughout.

6. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.

Remove the foil and check the rice and cabbage. If the rice needs more time, cover again and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.

Keeping the casserole covered for most of the baking time helps the rice cook properly in the liquid. Similar cabbage roll casserole methods rely on a covered bake to allow the rice and cabbage to become tender.

7. Add cheese, if using

If you want a cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

credit: 7recipes

Tips For the Best Cabbage Roll Casserole

Chop the cabbage fairly small. Smaller pieces become tender more evenly and make the casserole easier to scoop and serve.

Don’t rinse away the flavor from the beef. Browning the beef with the onion creates a savory base for the tomato sauce.

Keep the casserole covered while the rice cooks. The trapped steam and broth are important for cooking the uncooked rice.

Check the rice before removing it from the oven. Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the rice and how tightly the baking dish is covered.

Let it rest before serving. A short resting period gives the rice time to absorb some of the remaining sauce.

Variations

Cheesy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the final few minutes of baking.

Turkey Cabbage Roll Casserole

Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter variation.

Pork and Beef

Use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for a richer, more traditional cabbage-roll flavor.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the tomato mixture.

Low-Carb Version

Skip the rice and increase the amount of cabbage. Keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid amount will need to be adjusted because the rice normally absorbs some of the sauce.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole

This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete dinner, but you can pair it with:

• Crusty garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed green beans
• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley

Storage Tips

Store leftover cabbage roll casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm larger portions covered in the oven.

For longer storage, allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cooked rice?

Yes. If using cooked rice, reduce the amount of broth substantially because cooked rice does not need the liquid required for uncooked rice. Stir the cooked rice into the beef and cabbage mixture before baking.

Can I make cabbage roll casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the beef and cabbage mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble and bake. For the best texture, keep the uncooked rice and liquid proportions in mind when preparing it ahead.

Why is my cabbage roll casserole watery?

Too much liquid, excess moisture from the cabbage, or insufficient resting time can make the casserole watery. Make sure the rice is fully cooked before serving and allow the casserole to rest for several minutes after baking.

Can I use brown rice?

You can, but brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice. For the most reliable result, use long-grain white rice as written.

Can I make this without cheese?

Absolutely. Traditional cabbage roll flavors don’t require cheese, so simply leave it off.