Old-Fashioned Cabbage Roll Casserole
All the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls—without the rolling!
If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, filling, and easy to make for a crowd, this Cabbage Roll Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a lazy twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, with layers of tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and rice all baked together in a rich tomato sauce. No need to roll individual leaves or stand over the stove—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
This dish is a favorite in our home, especially during the colder months. It’s budget-friendly, simple, and always hits the spot.
🛒 Ingredients
You only need a few wholesome staples to make this cozy casserole:
- 2 pounds ground beef – Lean or regular, depending on your preference.
- 3 ½ pounds chopped cabbage – Roughly one large head of green cabbage.
- 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce – Smooth and flavorful.
- 1 cup chopped onion – Yellow or white onion adds the perfect savory base.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice – Long-grain or jasmine rice works great.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 (14-ounce) cans beef broth – Adds depth and keeps everything moist while baking.
Optional: Add shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy casserole.
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly (about 5–7 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, and the cooked ground beef. Mix everything until evenly distributed. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—it will cook down in the oven.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pour the beef broth over the top, making sure to reach all corners. This will help cook the rice and soften the cabbage as it bakes.
5️⃣ First Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
6️⃣ Stir & Finish Baking
After the first hour, carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a good stir. Re-cover and return it to the oven for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft and the rice is fully cooked.
🧀 Optional: Make It Cheesy
If you love a cheesy topping, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it melt and get golden for a cheesy twist on a classic.
📝 Tips & Notes
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer Friendly: Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize It: Use ground turkey or pork, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in some Italian herbs for extra flavor.
🕒 Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: ~320
- Servings: 12 generous portions
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Roll Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have the time (or patience!) to make traditional cabbage rolls. It’s satisfying, simple, and makes enough to feed a crowd—or to meal prep for the week ahead.
Whether you serve it as a main course with some crusty bread, or alongside a light salad, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It definitely is in mine.