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.
Ingredients
- 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
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