Hey there, Jason Griffith from Chef Maniac, and today we’re tackling a classic comfort food that usually involves a lot of fuss: Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole. If you love the rich, savory flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience for all that rolling and tying, this casserole is your new best friend. It delivers all the same satisfying goodness in an easy, layered dish that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. It’s the ultimate hack for getting that beloved flavor without the headache!

Why I Love This Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a labor of love, but let’s be honest, sometimes you just want that incredible taste without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m a huge fan of this casserole version. It’s truly a deconstructed masterpiece! You get tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and fluffy rice all baked in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, just like the traditional rolls. But by layering it in a casserole dish, you save so much time and effort. It’s incredibly satisfying, makes for fantastic leftovers, and it’s a wonderfully economical way to feed a crowd. This dish embodies everything I love about comfort food: it’s warm, hearty, and brings a smile to everyone’s face.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean recommended for flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head (about 2-2.5 lbs) green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or granulated sugar, to balance acidity)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried dill (optional, but classic flavor)
• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• (Optional) ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for topping

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Swaps and Notes

• Ground Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added richness, or ground turkey for a leaner option. Ensure whatever meat you choose is browned and drained.
• Cabbage: A standard green cabbage works best. You can chop it coarsely or shred it if you prefer smaller pieces. Some people like to quickly par-cook the cabbage (steam or sauté for a few minutes) before layering to ensure it becomes very tender in the casserole.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended. You can use brown rice, but it may require slightly more cooking liquid or a longer baking time. Cooked rice can also be used, but reduce the beef broth amount.
• Tomato Products: Using a combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes provides a nice balance of smoothness and texture. You can substitute one can of tomato sauce with a can of condensed tomato soup for a slightly creamier, sweeter result.
• Sweetener: Brown sugar helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a touch of classic sweetness. Adjust to your preference. Some recipes even use a splash of vinegar for extra tang.
• Spices & Herbs: Dried dill is a common and beloved flavor in cabbage rolls. Paprika adds color and a subtle depth. Feel free to add other herbs you enjoy, like dried parsley or a pinch of thyme.
• Cheese Topping: Cheese is not traditional but adds a delicious, melty layer that many families enjoy. Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend would be great.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get this hearty casserole assembled!

1. Brown the Meat and Onion: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, drain any excess grease.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried dill (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Cabbage: While the sauce simmers, roughly chop the green cabbage. If you prefer very tender cabbage, you can quickly sauté it in a separate pan for 5-7 minutes until slightly wilted, or microwave it with a splash of water for 4 minutes, then drain.
5. Combine with Rice: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice into the meat and tomato sauce mixture.
6. Layer the Casserole:
   • Pour about 1 cup of the meat and rice mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer half of the chopped cabbage over the meat mixture.
   • Pour half of the remaining meat and rice mixture over the cabbage.
   • Add the remaining cabbage layer.
   • Finally, pour the rest of the meat and rice mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. You can gently press down on the layers to compact them slightly.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
8. Add Cheese (Optional) & Finish Baking: If using, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, and continue baking uncovered until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the casserole to set.

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Tips for Success

• Drain Grease: Always drain excess fat from your ground meat after browning to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
• Chop Cabbage Consistently: Aim for relatively consistent sizes for your chopped cabbage so it cooks evenly.
• Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste your sauce mixture before layering. Some tomatoes are more acidic than others, so you might want to add a little more brown sugar to balance it.
• Cover Tightly: Covering the casserole tightly with foil is essential. It creates a steamy environment that helps tenderize the cabbage and cook the rice evenly.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time! It allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to serve clean portions.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, vegetables, and grains. However, a few simple sides can round out the meal perfectly:

• A side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• A dollop of sour cream on top of individual servings is a classic addition that adds creaminess and tang.
• For other comforting, hearty dishes, consider pairing it with something like my Easy Turkey Wings for another lazy Sunday meal, or a simple skillet like my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is fantastic as leftovers! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until bubbly.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (if you haven’t baked it yet). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the hearty and comforting nature of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these other Chef Maniac favorites:

• For another classic pasta dish with homemade goodness, try my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you love easy one-pan dinners, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a guaranteed hit.
• And for another crowd-pleasing, cozy dinner, my Chicken Enchiladas are always a go-to.

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Final Thoughts

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a true gem in the world of comfort food. It delivers all the nostalgic, savory flavors of a classic dish without the labor-intensive rolling, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying – I promise it will become a regular in your rotation!

What’s your favorite deconstructed classic dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration. Happy cooking!