Dinner

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

BySana Jeannette February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

This hearty cabbage roll casserole captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. It combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese into one easy, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

The dish is a baked casserole served in a white rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface. It has multiple layers visible: the top layer is golden-brown melted cheese sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. Beneath the cheese is a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper and tomato sauce, showing a rich reddish-brown color. Below the meat layer is tender cooked cabbage with pale yellow and light green leaves. The casserole is mixed with cooked white rice scattered throughout. A wooden spoon is scooping up some of the casserole, revealing all these layers combined. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup minced onion
2 cloves minced garlic

2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dill

1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
24 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups cooked rice
2 tablespoons butter

6 cups roughly chopped cabbage
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and minced onion, cooking until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dill, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until warmed through.

Step 5: In a large pot, melt butter over high heat. Add chopped cabbage and sauté until just wilted and lightly browned.
Step 6: To assemble, layer half of the cooked cabbage in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage, beef mixture, and cheese.

Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef mixture.
Substitute Colby Jack with mozzarella or cheddar cheese if preferred.

Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Leftover casserole can be portioned into individual containers for easy meal prep.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.