If you love comfort food that’s cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is for you. Inspired by traditional Eastern European stuffed cabbage rolls, this casserole version saves you time and effort—no rolling required! Layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese come together to make a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this one-pan wonder is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Easy to Assemble – No need to roll individual cabbage leaves! Just layer and bake.
- Affordable Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like ground beef, cabbage, tomato sauce, and rice.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance and baking later.
- Family-Friendly – Kid-approved flavors and textures that please even picky eaters.
- Low Waste – Great way to use up leftover cabbage or rice.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Ground Beef – Adds protein and rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Cabbage – Replaces traditional pasta layers; tender and slightly sweet when baked.
- Onion & Garlic – Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – Bring acidity, moisture, and that signature stuffed roll flavor.
- White Rice – Makes the casserole filling and satisfying with added texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a golden, gooey topping.
- Spices (Paprika, Thyme, Salt & Pepper) – Give the dish warmth and balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, then add minced garlic.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Steam the cabbage: In a large pot, boil or steam chopped cabbage until tender (about 5 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the rice: In a separate pot, cook rice in water or broth until fluffy but firm.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half the cabbage, half the rice, and half the beef mixture. Repeat layers. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Go low-carb: Swap rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
- Add a twist: Mix in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for more veggies.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Store & Reheat
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- To Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe, you’re going to love these other easy and comforting casseroles! Try this Poor Man’s Husband Casserole for a creamy, budget-friendly dinner, or dig into our ultra-satisfying Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole—perfect for busy weeknights. And don’t miss our classic Sweet Potato Casserole that’s a holiday favorite turned everyday delight!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s cooked before layering in the casserole.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal, but savoy cabbage is a softer alternative that bakes beautifully.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap tightly and label with the date.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
There’s nothing more comforting than a bubbling casserole straight from the oven, and this Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes—flavorful, filling, and family-approved. It’s the perfect shortcut to traditional cabbage rolls without compromising on taste. Give it a try this week and let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to share and save this recipe for later!
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 head green cabbage chopped
- 1 29 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Boil or steam chopped cabbage until tender (5–7 mins). Drain well.
- Cook rice in broth or water until just tender.
- Layer half the cabbage, rice, and meat mixture in the baking dish. Repeat.
- Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.