Have you ever thought about enjoying stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle? This Cabbage Roll Casserole brings all the classic flavors together in one dish, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Featuring tender cabbage with ground beef, it’s a comfort food classic that everyone will love.
This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, combining ground beef tomato sauce and layers of cabbage in a cozy casserole. It’s an ideal way to use up leftover ingredients and transform them into something new and delicious. Add some oven-roasted carrots on the side for a balanced meal!
Comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole
This hearty casserole is a delightful combination of cabbage with ground beef, making it a perfect dish for any weeknight dinner. Picture layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef mixed with a rich beef tomato sauce, and a generous sprinkling of cheese on top, bubbling and golden brown.
Not only is this casserole comforting, but it also makes excellent use of leftover ingredients, transforming them into a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. The layers of flavor from the ground beef tomato sauce blend seamlessly with the cabbage, leaving a delightful taste in every bite.
Ingredients That Shine
This recipe features an array of wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. The combination of cabbage, ground beef, and red beans creates a filling dish that is both nutritious and flavorful. Adding the oven-roasted carrots on the side brightens up the plate, making it visually appealing as well.
The addition of rice offers a hearty base, enhancing the overall texture of the casserole. Whether you have leftover rice or choose to cook fresh, it complements the other ingredients flawlessly. Every component plays a vital role, ensuring every slice of this casserole is as delicious as the last.
Layering for Deliciousness
The layering process is where the magic happens in this cabbage roll casserole. Start with a base of cooked cabbage, then add a generous layer of the flavorful ground beef mixture. Topping it with more cabbage ensures that the flavors meld together while the cheese melts and bubbles on top.
Each layer adds depth to this dish, creating a beautiful and inviting appearance when it comes out of the oven. The key is to cover the casserole while baking initially, allowing the ingredients to cook thoroughly before exposing it to direct heat for that perfect cheesy finish.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve, letting the casserole sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to settle, making it easier to cut and serve. Pairing it with vibrant oven-roasted carrots not only adds color but also brings a sweet contrast to the savory nature of the casserole.
For additional garnishing, consider sprinkling fresh herbs on top before serving. This simple touch enhances the overall presentation and adds a layer of freshness to the dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This cabbage roll casserole is an excellent option for meal prep enthusiasts. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. Reheating is simple, making it a go-to choice for busy weekdays.
The flavors only get better with time, allowing the ingredients to meld even more. Enjoy it multiple times throughout the week without the hassle of cooking from scratch every day.
A Family Favorite
Once you serve this hearty casserole to your family, it is sure to become a favorite. The combination of familiar flavors from stuffed cabbage rolls, all in one comforting dish, makes it irresistible.
Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is bound to impress. With the delightful mix of cabbage, ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, it embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food.
Comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole
This cabbage roll casserole is a wholesome dish featuring layers of ground beef, cabbage, and a rich beef tomato sauce, making it satisfying and full of flavor. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) red beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Cabbage: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and blanch for about 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked rice, and red beans. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Layer the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, layer half of the cabbage, followed by the beef mixture, and top with the remaining cabbage. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty cabbage roll casserole!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
