Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef

If you grew up with cabbage rolls simmering on a Sunday afternoon, you already know there’s something unmistakably comforting about the smell of tomatoes, beef, rice, garlic, and sweet buttery cabbage wafting through the house. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up from the inside out — nostalgic, humble, filling, and proudly unfussy.

So here’s the good news: this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef gives you all the cozy, saucy, old-fashioned flavor you remember — but in a simple, layered, baked-until-bubbly casserole that takes a fraction of the time. No rolling. No fuss. Just everything you love, baked low and slow until the cabbage softens, the sauce thickens, and the flavors meld together the way cabbage rolls were always meant to taste.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole

This dish has become a staple in our house for so many reasons:

• Fast prep, slow-cooked flavor : Layer it and bake it — no rolling required.
• Budget-friendly ingredients : Cabbage + ground beef + rice = inexpensive comfort that feeds a crowd.
• Perfect make-ahead meal : The flavors deepen overnight. It reheats beautifully and freezes even better.
• Family-friendly : Mild flavors, soft textures, and a nostalgic taste everyone recognizes.
• One-dish simplicity : Only one skillet to prep the beef and one casserole dish to bake it in.

This recipe checks every “cozy dinner” box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into your cozy cabbage roll bake:

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional (but delicious):

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances the acidity)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth)
• A sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesy version

How to Make Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole

This is the simplest method you’ll ever find for cabbage rolls — promise.

1. Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook your ground beef with onion and garlic until the meat is browned and the kitchen smells like the start of something wonderful.

Add paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Build the Tomato Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.

Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until everything blends into a rich, thick, beefy tomato goodness.

3. Prepare the Cabbage

Roughly chop your cabbage into bite-sized squares. No need to par-boil — the oven does the work.

4. Layer the Casserole

In a large 9×13 baking dish:

1. Spread half the chopped cabbage
2. Spoon half the beef mixture over it
3. Add half the rice
4. Repeat the layers

It should look unapologetically rustic — that’s exactly right.

5. Bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Then remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes to let it brown slightly.

The cabbage should be silky. The sauce bubbling. The smell unmistakably comforting.

How to Serve Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef

This lazy cabbage roll casserole with ground beef makes a complete, satisfying dinner all by itself, but a few simple sides turn it into a cozy, well-rounded meal.

On a busy weeknight, I like to serve it in wide, shallow bowls so every bite gets a mix of tender cabbage, saucy rice, and beef. Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for brightness. That creamy, cool contrast against the hot tomato casserole is magic.

Because the casserole already leans hearty, pair it with a light, fresh side:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Cucumber and tomato salad with red onion
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli

If you want an ultra-comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of night, go full-on comfort:

• Serve a small cup of soup before the casserole for a cozy, restaurant-style feel. Don’t miss our hearty cabbage soup with ground beef if you want another warming cabbage dinner.

Bread is always a welcome guest at this table. Warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or even soft dinner rolls help soak up the extra sauce. A side of buttered corn or roasted carrots would also pair beautifully with the tomato-cabbage flavors.

For potlucks or Sunday suppers, slice the casserole into neat squares and arrange them on a platter. A sprinkle of herbs over the whole tray makes it look extra inviting. You can keep the pan warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until everyone shows up, then serve it family-style right from the dish.

Whether you keep it simple with bowls and a salad or build an entire comfort-food spread, this casserole loves to be the star at the center of the table.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

Use lean ground beef

Keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.

Don’t skip covering it

The foil traps steam that softens the cabbage into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Add extra broth if you like it saucier

½ cup more makes the casserole extra rich.

Want more classic cabbage-roll tang?

Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving.

Variations

This recipe is flexible and forgiving — here are some favorite spins:

1. Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Sausage

Swap half the beef for spicy Italian sausage.

2. Cheesy Cabbage Roll Bake

Sprinkle mozzarella or Monterey Jack during the last 10 minutes.

3. Low-Carb Version

Skip the rice entirely or replace with cauliflower rice.

4. Turkey Version

Ground turkey works beautifully if seasoned well.

How to Store Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef

This casserole is even better the next day.

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Oven: 325°F for 20–25 minutes
• Microwave: 2–3 minutes

Final Thoughts

Lazy cabbage roll casserole with ground beef is one of those recipes that quietly becomes a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, kid-friendly, and exactly the kind of cozy bowl you crave after a long day.

I love that you get all the classic stuffed cabbage flavors—beef, rice, cabbage, and tomato—in a simpler, more relaxed form. No rolling, no fussy steps, just a few layers and some oven time. If your family enjoys hearty casseroles and retro comfort food, looking for inspiration? Try this hobo casserole ground beef recipe next for another throwback-style bake.

Make it once, and I’m betting this lazy cabbage roll casserole with ground beef becomes one of your go-to “cozy but easy” dinners.

Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.

Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef

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• Author: Rosie
• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef has all the cozy flavor of classic cabbage rolls without the rolling or stuffing. Tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce are layered and baked until bubbly for the ultimate comfort-food dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1–1 1/2 tsp salt, to taste

OPTIONAL

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar for topping
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.

4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and optional brown sugar and smoked paprika. Stir well and simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Roughly chop the cabbage into bite-size pieces. Spread half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

6. Spoon half of the beef-tomato mixture evenly over the cabbage. Sprinkle half of the cooked rice over the top.

7. Repeat layers with remaining cabbage, remaining beef mixture, and remaining rice.

8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until cabbage is very tender and casserole is bubbly.

9. If using cheese, remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered an additional 10–15 minutes until melted and lightly golden.

10. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a saucier casserole, add an extra 1/2–1 cup beef broth.

• For more “classic cabbage roll” tang, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.

• Swap half the beef for ground pork or sausage for deeper flavor.

• To make it lower carb, omit the rice or replace with cooked cauliflower rice (reduce liquid slightly).

 

Make-ahead & storage:

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

 

More cozy beef & cabbage comfort:

Learn more about a soup version of this cozy combo: https://www.tastymealstodo.com/hearty-cabbage-soup-with-ground-beef/

Check out another easy ground beef casserole: https://www.tastymealstodo.com/ground-beef-casserole-with-green-beans/

Don’t miss this budget-friendly classic bake: https://www.tastymealstodo.com/hobo-casserole-ground-beef-recipe/

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 80 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Casserole, Ground Beef
• Method: Baked, One-Pan
• Cuisine: American, Eastern European-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 65mg