If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered away all afternoon, but without the fuss, then this Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is exactly what you need in your life. It captures all those nostalgic flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls: savory beef, tender cabbage, tomatoey goodness, and melty cheese—all bundled together in a cozy, satisfying bake. The best part? You’ll have everything mingling in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze and family dinnertime extra delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole celebrates humble pantry staples that deliver big on flavor. Each ingredient has a job to do, bringing just the right balance of heartiness, freshness, tang, and melty satisfaction you crave in comfort food.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat for a deeper, fuller flavor.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: The protein base—choose beef for classic richness or turkey for a lighter twist.
- Onion: Provides a sweet aromatic backbone that makes the casserole comforting and savory.
- Garlic: Infuses every bite with warmth and just the right amount of savoriness.
- Green Cabbage: The star of the dish, offering gentle crunch and soaking up all the saucy flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes with Juices: Bring acidity and juiciness, brightening up the entire casserole.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds body and keeps everything moist and saucy, just like the filling for classic stuffed cabbage rolls.
- Dried Oregano: Lends an herbaceous note and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Paprika: Gives both color and a subtle smoky depth.
- Dried Thyme: Adds gentle earthiness to round out all the flavors.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything into perfect balance.
- Cooked White Rice: Makes the casserole extra filling and ties the textures together just like in traditional stuffed cabbage.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into bubbly perfection, holding all the goodness together.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami punch right on top.
- Fresh Parsley: Finishes the bake with a pop of green color and a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This casserole begins with building layers of robust flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with diced onion. Sauté until the meat is crumbled, browned, and the onions turn soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle and become fragrant for another minute. This step sets the savory foundation for the entire Stuffed Cabbage Casserole.
Step 2: Soften the Cabbage and Add Tomatoes
Next, stir in your chopped cabbage. Don’t be shy about piling it in—cabbage cooks down quite a bit. Add in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften and soak up those lovely tomato and spice flavors. This is where all the magic and meld of flavors really starts for your Stuffed Cabbage Casserole.
Step 3: Stir in the Cooked Rice
Turn off the heat and fold in your cooked rice. The rice will soak up some of the tangy tomato goodness and help give your casserole its signature heartiness. This is the spot to check your seasonings—add a pinch more salt or pepper if you feel like it needs a little something.
Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread your cabbage and rice mixture in an even layer. Dust the top with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. These cheeses will bubble and brown beautifully in the oven, forming an irresistible golden crust that is the hallmark of any well-loved casserole.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to trap in all the steam and help everything cook through. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10 minutes so the cheese on top turns irresistibly golden and bubbly. The aroma in your kitchen? Simply out of this world.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle over plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a light, fresh finish. Let it cool for a few minutes to set before scooping generous helpings onto plates. There you have it—a Stuffed Cabbage Casserole that’s as easy as it is memorable.
How to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic and brings brightness to every bite. For extra flavor and a little zing, try a dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a scattering of extra grated Parmesan never hurt anyone!
Side Dishes
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted carrots or creamy mashed potatoes also complement the dish beautifully, especially if you’re serving a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknights, scoop the casserole straight from the dish for a rustic, homey feel. Hosting guests? Spoon the casserole into ramekins and broil for a couple minutes for individually golden, bubbling servings. For a potluck, simply slice into squares and serve on a platter with extra fresh herbs for a colorful, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Stuffed Cabbage Casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors only get deeper with time—talk about the perfect meal prep option!
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Assemble and bake, then let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to three months. When the craving hits, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. The comforting, tangy flavors hold up beautifully to freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, place your desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating until warmed through. For larger amounts, rewarm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) loosely covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Add a little extra cheese on top if you want to refresh that bubbly topping—it’s like making it all over again!
FAQs
Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner parties or busy weeknights super stress-free.
What type Main Course
White rice is classic and soaks up the flavors perfectly, but you can easily use brown rice for more texture and a nutty flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Can I swap out the ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative all work well. This flexibility makes Stuffed Cabbage Casserole great for different diets or just switching things up.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply make sure your tomato sauce is certified gluten-free. Double-check all your canned goods and seasonings to be safe.
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole without drying it out?
Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce before reheating, and cover the dish with foil in the oven or a microwave-safe lid to trap in moisture. This ensures your Stuffed Cabbage Casserole stays juicy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is the kind of recipe that turns any night into a comforting occasion. Whether you’re new to these classic flavors or it’s already a family favorite, I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every cozy, cheesy bite!
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Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious elements of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make casserole form. It features a savory mixture of ground beef or turkey, cabbage, rice, and a blend of seasonings, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Prepare the cabbage mixture: Stir in cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until cabbage softens. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lower-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
