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Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 68 reviews

This hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole combines the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a convenient baked dish. Ground beef, seasoned with Italian herbs and mixed with marinara sauce, tomatoes, and rice, is layered with sautéed cabbage and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

  • 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

Cabbage

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cups roughly chopped cabbage

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef and ½ cup minced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Season the Mixture: Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dill, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices and release their aromas.
  4. Add Sauces and Rice: Pour in 24 ounces of marinara sauce and 1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Add 2 cups of cooked rice and stir everything together until well combined. Continue cooking until the mixture is warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Sauté the Cabbage: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over high heat. Add 6 cups roughly chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is barely wilted and starts to brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes. This softens the cabbage and enhances its natural sweetness.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the cooked cabbage evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the beef and rice mixture on top of the cabbage. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
  7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy your comforting cabbage roll casserole.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and avoid excess grease in the casserole.
  • Cook rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save preparation time.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
  • You can swap Colby Jack cheese for mozzarella or cheddar depending on preference.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: cabbage roll casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner casserole, baked cabbage dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/cabbage-roll-casserole-recipe/