If you are craving something that wraps all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into one easy dish, you are in for a treat with the Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe. This casserole captures the heartwarming essence of cabbage roll goodness but skips the fuss of rolling each one individually. Picture tender, savory ground beef mingling with vibrant, soft cabbage and perfectly cooked rice, all baked in a luscious tomato-beef broth that soaks deep into every bite. It’s a rich, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or savoring on your own when you want something truly special and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients that go into this dish are wonderfully simple yet essential, allowing each component to shine in flavor, texture, and color. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of savory beef, tender cabbage, and bright tomatoes, making this casserole an all-around crowd-pleaser.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: This provides a hearty, savory base that holds the dish together; feel free to substitute with ground turkey or pork for a tasty variation.
- 3.5 lbs green cabbage: Coarsely chopped and cored, the cabbage adds lovely tenderness and subtle flavor; try using savoy cabbage if you want a sweeter note.
- 1 large yellow onion: Finely chopped (about 1 cup), it infuses the dish with essential sweetness and rich depth.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Uncooked rice that perfectly absorbs all the savory and tangy flavors; brown rice works too but requires a bit more cooking time.
- 1 tsp fine sea salt: A subtle enhancer that brings out the best in every ingredient; adjust according to your taste or dietary needs.
- 28 oz tomato sauce: This offers the casserole a rich, tangy layer of flavor; crushed tomatoes are a great alternative if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- 3.5 cups beef broth: Adds moisture and depth, making the rice tender and the overall dish luscious; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor.
How to Make Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is more than just setting a temperature; it’s like inviting a cozy warmth into your kitchen, setting the perfect atmosphere for cooking this comforting casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, take a large nonstick skillet and cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned and crumbly, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat; this not only makes the dish leaner but also keeps the flavors clean and balanced.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, you’ll bring together the star players: chopped cabbage, finely diced onion, uncooked rice, salt, and tomato sauce, blending them beautifully with the browned beef. Stir everything until it’s well mixed; this ensures every scoop holds a little bit of each magical flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Transfer this vibrant cabbage-beef mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, gently pour the beef broth over the top. This broth is key because it infuses moisture and golden richness into the rice and cabbage as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Seal your baking dish tightly with foil or a lid to keep all the steam locked in. Bake it in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the cabbage to soften fantastically.
Step 6: Stir and Continue Baking
After the initial baking, carefully uncover and give your casserole a gentle stir. This allows the flavors to redistribute and the rice to cook evenly. Cover it back up and bake for another 20 to 30 minutes until the cabbage turns tender and the rice is perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Finally, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool just a few minutes. Resting it helps the flavors settle and makes the casserole easier to slice for serving. Then, dig in and enjoy your creation!
How to Serve Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream can elevate this cozy casserole beautifully. The bright green of herbs adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the dish’s richness. A little bit of sharp cheese like Parmesan also melts nicely on top if you want to add an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but pairing it with simple sides like crusty bread for dipping or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a well-rounded plate. These sides add contrasting textures and freshness, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve it in rustic individual ramekins or a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven, letting everyone take in that steamy, savory aroma. Layering the casserole with thin slices of cooked potatoes on top can add a fun twist and extra texture to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen and become more harmonious after a day or two, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying warm lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, cool it completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual servings if you’re in a hurry. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps restore moisture so it tastes freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter substitute and will still absorb the flavors beautifully. Just keep in mind the cooking time remains the same, but you might want to add a bit of extra seasoning to keep the richness.
Is it necessary to use long grain white rice?
While long grain white rice works best for texture and timing, you can swap in brown rice. Just remember to extend the baking time by about 20 minutes and check for doneness to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your tomato sauce and beef broth don’t contain any hidden gluten additives. Always opt for certified gluten-free products if needed.
What if I don’t have a 9 x 13-inch baking dish?
You can use any oven-safe casserole dish with a similar volume. Just spread the mixture evenly and adjust baking time slightly if your dish is significantly deeper or shallower to ensure even cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Just add them in at step 3 with the other ingredients so they cook perfectly in the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace every time you make it. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a comforting solo meal, it blends simplicity with hearty, soul-soothing flavors perfectly. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites that you’ll want to share again and again.
Print
Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal that combines ground beef, cabbage, rice, and savory tomato sauce baked to perfection. It offers all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in a simplified casserole form, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 3.5 lbs green cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 28 oz tomato sauce
- 3.5 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef: In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the browned beef, chopped cabbage, chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, and tomato sauce until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cabbage mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Pour the beef broth over the mixture to keep it moist during baking.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or a lid, then bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes to allow the rice and cabbage to begin softening and cooking through.
- Continue Baking: Remove the cover, gently stir the casserole, then cover again and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or pork for ground beef for a different flavor.
- Savoy cabbage can be used instead of green cabbage for a sweeter taste.
- Brown rice can be used in place of white rice, but increase the baking time accordingly to ensure rice is fully cooked.
- Vegetable broth can replace beef broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option (remove meat then).
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning to reduce grease.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat perfectly.
