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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

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A simplified version of stuffed cabbage rolls that combines hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce, baked into a comforting casserole.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 28 ounce (794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 19 ounce (539g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ cup (45g) long grain rice, uncooked
  • 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing cabbage)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Be sure to break up the meat as it cooks. After browning, drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  4. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the uncooked rice, and set the sauce aside.
  5. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 10–15 minutes until it’s softened. Remove from heat.
  6. In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, layer half of the softened cabbage on the bottom.
  7. Spoon the meat and rice sauce evenly over the cabbage layer, smothering it as evenly as you can.
  8. Top the casserole with the remaining softened cabbage, creating a deliciously hearty top layer.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until everything is heated through, the rice is tender, and the cabbage is soft.
  11. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Notes

This casserole is great for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ameliasweets.com/2026/06/09/cabbage-roll-casserole-recipe/

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