Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion
minced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or homemade marinara sauce
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
with juices
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups cabbage
roughly chopped
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese
shredded
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-heat, add the olive oil, ground beef, and minced onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened.
- 3
Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.
- 4
Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice. Stir until combined and continue to cook until warmed through.
- 5
In a large pot, add the butter and cabbage. Cook on high heat until the cabbage is barely wilted and browned.
- 6
To assemble the casserole, layer half of the cooked cabbage in the bottom of the casserole dish. Evenly layer half of the beef mixture on top of the cabbage followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers one more time.
- 7
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top of the casserole.
- 8
Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- 9
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Cabbage Roll Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling process? This Cabbage Roll Casserole is your ultimate answer, delivering all that hearty goodness with remarkable ease, making it a perfect one-pan dinner for any night.
This recipe shines by deconstructing the classic, layered with care and convenience. Instead of meticulous individual rolls, you'll combine flavorful layers of seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and fluffy rice, all bound together with a rich marinara. It's a clever approach that doesn't compromise on taste, making it an accessible weeknight take on a beloved comfort food.
Prepare for a truly satisfying meal that brings together diverse textures and deeply savory flavors. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast of tender, slightly sweet cabbage against a robust, well-seasoned ground beef and rice mixture. The tangy marinara sauce permeates every layer, while a generous topping of melted Colby Jack cheese adds a creamy, comforting finish. It's a wholesome dish that feels both traditional and wonderfully easy to achieve, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Customization & Variations
- To lighten the dish, consider swapping half of the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You could also make it a vegetarian delight by using plant-based ground meat substitute and increasing the diced tomatoes and cabbage.
- If Colby Jack isn't your preference, feel free to use shredded mozzarella, a sharp cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- For an extra layer of flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the beef mixture will add a subtle warmth, or a splash of red wine can be deglazed with the beef for added depth.
This comforting casserole is ideal for a relaxed family dinner or as a hearty dish to share at a casual gathering. Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.