Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that takes all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls and transforms them into an easy-to-make casserole. This dish layers tender cabbage with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, creating a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a make-ahead meal, Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a delicious and convenient option that brings the classic taste of stuffed cabbage to your table with less effort and all the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cabbage.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls to your table with a fraction of the effort. This casserole is perfect for cozy dinners, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a family favorite.
