There’s just something about casseroles that wraps you in a warm hug, don’t you think? They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. My easy cabbage roll casserole recipe is a family favorite that combines all the hearty goodness of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss! I remember my grandma making this dish on chilly Sundays, filling the house with the most delightful aromas. It’s packed with tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and layers of cabbage, all smothered in rich tomato sauce. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why this casserole has a special place in my heart—and on my dinner table!
Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
To make this comforting dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (feel free to swap for ground turkey if you prefer)
- 1 cup cooked rice (any variety works, but I love using white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds a nice sweetness)
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped (the star of the show!)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce (for that rich, tangy flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (adds texture and freshness)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (because garlic is life)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (a little spice goes a long way)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the onions)
How to Prepare the Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Making this easy cabbage roll casserole is a breeze! Let’s dive into the steps that’ll have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.
Preheat and Sauté
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and sauté it until it’s nice and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step really brings out the sweetness of the onion!
Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add in the star of the dish! Crumble the ground beef into the skillet with the onions and cook until it’s browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, letting those flavors meld together for a couple of minutes.
Layering the Casserole
In a large baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage at the bottom. Then, spread the delicious meat mixture evenly over that layer. Finally, top it off with the remaining cabbage. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get that perfect bubbly finish. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy cabbage roll casserole recipe is bound to become a staple in your home, and here’s why:
- Quick to make: With just a little prep and baking time, dinner is on the table in no time!
- Comforting: It’s like a warm hug in a dish, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
- Great for leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this tasty combination of flavors!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy cabbage roll casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the sautéing step—cooking the onions until they’re translucent enhances the flavor and sweetness of the dish. If you find the casserole too watery, make sure to drain excess liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste; a pinch more salt or pepper can make a world of difference! Lastly, let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely and makes serving easier. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This easy cabbage roll casserole recipe typically yields about 300 calories per serving, with 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also contains 4g of fiber and 5g of sugar. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can change based on your choices. Enjoy this delicious dish while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my easy cabbage roll casserole recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative works wonderfully if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. It’s hearty enough on its own, but a little something fresh always complements it beautifully!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking to enjoy it again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this easy cabbage roll casserole is super simple! Just transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!
Print
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy cabbage roll casserole recipe combines ground meat, rice, and cabbage in a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage.
- Spread the meat mixture over the cabbage.
- Top with the remaining cabbage.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add cheese on top for extra flavor.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy cabbage roll casserole recipe
