Layer your casserole pan with cabbage… but hold off until this magical mixture goes on top
This Cabbage Roll Casserole captures all the classic, comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—without the fuss of boiling, cooling, and rolling each leaf. Shredded cabbage is layered with a savory, seasoned beef-and-rice mixture, then baked so the cabbage steams and softens in the oven. The beef broth cooks the rice perfectly while adding rich, savory depth to every layer.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Green cabbage, shredded | 1 head |
| Uncooked rice | 1 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (29 oz) |
| Beef broth | 3 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves (or 1 tbsp) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Coarse ground pepper (divided) | 1 tsp |
| Shredded mozzarella (optional) | For topping |
How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and ground beef to the skillet. Cook about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Mixture
In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce, uncooked rice, salt, and 1/2 tsp of the pepper. Mix well so the rice is evenly distributed—this is your “casserole mixture.”
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In a large casserole dish, layer the ingredients:
1/3 of the cabbage → 1/3 of the beef → 1/3 of the tomato-rice mixture. Repeat two more times until all ingredients are used.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Slowly pour the beef broth over the casserole. This cooks the rice and tenderizes the cabbage. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes. Pro tip: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle mozzarella on top before baking.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove foil carefully, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tsp pepper, and let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving.
