Description
Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delicious and comforting twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, and cabbage baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make casserole offers all the flavors of classic Eastern European cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling, making it a satisfying main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Cook Meat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic together until the beef is browned and the onions become soft, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Season and Simmer Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and tomato paste to the meat mixture. Then add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Rice and Meat Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice with the meat sauce mixture, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the chopped green cabbage evenly over the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the rice and meat mixture on top of the cabbage, then cover with the remaining chopped cabbage.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and ease portioning.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- For added depth of flavor, try using a mixture of ground beef and ground pork in the meat layer.
- Serve with sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra richness and a spicy kick if desired.
