Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole – Best Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle? This Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect solution! Imagine all the goodness of stuffed cabbage rolls—juicy meat, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce—layered together in one easy-to-make casserole. No more rolling, stuffing, or extra effort. Just pure deliciousness in every bite!

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If you’re always searching for dinner ideas, dinner recipes, or chicken casseroles, this dish deserves a top spot on your meal plan. Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

1. Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole, gather these simple ingredients:

• Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
• Cabbage (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• Onion & garlic (for flavor)
• Cooked rice (absorbs the sauce and adds heartiness)
• Tomato sauce & diced tomatoes (creates a rich, tangy sauce)
• Beef or chicken broth (adds depth to the sauce)
• Seasonings (paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes)
• Shredded cheese (for topping, optional but delicious!)

2. How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

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Making this casserole is incredibly easy. It involves three simple steps:

1. Sauté the meat and onions – Cook until browned.
2. Layer with cabbage and rice – Just like lasagna, build up the layers.
3. Bake until tender – Let the oven do the work!

3. Why This Casserole Works for Busy Nights

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Life can get hectic, and cooking elaborate meals isn’t always an option. That’s why this dish is a lifesaver! It’s easy, requires minimal prep, and uses simple ingredients. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

4. Variations to Try

• Chicken Cabbage Roll Casserole: Swap beef for ground chicken for a leaner option.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice and add cauliflower rice instead.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded cheddar into the casserole for a gooey texture.

5. Choosing the Best Ingredients

• Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage works best.
• Meat: Lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken are all great choices.
• Rice: White or brown rice—either works!
• Tomato Sauce: Use a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.

6. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the meat – In a large skillet, sauté ground meat with onions and garlic until browned.
3. Add seasoning and tomatoes – Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Layer the casserole – Spread half of the cabbage in a greased baking dish, then add half the meat mixture and rice. Repeat the layers.
5. Cover and bake – Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the cover, add cheese (if using), and bake for another 10 minutes.
6. Let it rest – Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

7. Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Casserole

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• Pre-cook the cabbage: Sautéing cabbage before layering makes it softer.
• Use day-old rice: This prevents the dish from getting mushy.
• Balance the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the spices.

8. Serving Suggestions

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Cabbage Roll Casserole

A comforting, easy-to-make casserole inspired by classic cabbage rolls, featuring tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 people

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 head cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, with juice
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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• In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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• Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
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• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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• In a greased baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage, followed by half of the cooked rice, and half of the meat mixture. Repeat the layers.
• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until melted.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice.

Keyword chicken casserole, dinner dinners, dinner ideas, dinner recipes

This casserole pairs well with:

• A side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce
• A fresh green salad for a balanced meal
• Steamed vegetables for added nutrition

9. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

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10. FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that makes dinner stress-free. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, dinner recipes, or a cozy chicken casserole, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a meal that feels like home! 🍽️