Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

If you love the flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but want something easier and faster, this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is your perfect solution. It delivers all the cozy, saucy goodness of the classic dish—without the time-consuming rolling and layering. Every bite is packed with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, perfectly seasoned rice, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked into one hearty casserole.

This deconstructed version keeps the soul of the original while streamlining the process. The ground beef (or turkey) is browned with onions and simple seasonings, then mixed with cooked rice, softened cabbage, and a flavorful blend of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. The entire mixture is baked until bubbly, then optionally topped with melted cheese for an extra layer of comfort.

What makes this dish so appealing is not just the flavor, but the ease. It’s made in one skillet and one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also budget-friendly, filling, and perfect for leftovers. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole delivers warm, satisfying comfort in every serving.

Best of all, it’s a forgiving recipe. You can adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs with minimal effort. Whether you like it cheesy, spicy, or loaded with extra vegetables, it’s easy to make this recipe your own.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1½ cups cooked white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cabbage begins to soften.
4. Add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Mix everything together until evenly combined.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
6. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese if using, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations:

• Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.

• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

• More Veggies: Toss in diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Tips:

• Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easier serving.

• Use leftover rice to speed up prep — cold rice works perfectly in this dish.

• Letting the casserole sit after baking helps it firm up and makes it easier to cut into portions.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Hearty, flavorful, and comforting, this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole makes cabbage lovers out of anyone — and brings the taste of tradition to the table with none of the hassle.