Name: Cabbage Roll Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon avocado oil ( to grease the casserole pan Note 1); 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 ground beef mix works best); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika; 1 (29) ounce tomato sauce; 3 ½ cups beef broth; 3 ½ pounds green cabbage, cored and chopped; 1 cup yellow onion, diced (Note 1); 1 cup long grain white rice

Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delicious and easy dinner choice for busy days. A quick casserole that can be made ahead of time, freezer friendly, and great for meal prep.

Tender cabbage, beef, and white rice in a tangy tomato sauce seasoned with Hungarian paprika make a hearty comfort food meal that your whole family will love.

Lazy cabbage roll casserole in a large pan with rice.

This lazy unstuffed cabbage roll casserole is one of my favorite ways to save time in the kitchen and have a flavorful meal on the table. It's full of delicious flavors and great for busy days or even special occasions. You won't regret making this simple recipe.

Ingredient List

The ingredients to make lazy cabbage casserole with text overlay.

Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe.

Ground beef in a large pan being browned for cabbage roll casserole.

Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the beef and drain excess grease.

A large saute pan with cooked ground beef, rice, and chopped cabbage.

Step 2: Stir together the beef broth and tomato sauce. Then mix in the remaining ingredients.

A saute pan with cooked ground beef and cabbage for a lazy cabbage casserole.

Step 3: Once the ingredients are combined, transfer them to a 9x13 casserole dish.

A cabbage roll casserole ready to go in the oven.

Step 4: Bake covered in the preheated oven for an hour. Then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

A cooked lazy cabbage roll casserole on a large baking pan.

Eileen's Tips for Success

I use an 80/20 beef mixture for this casserole. If you want to use lean ground beef, adding a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet will prevent the meat from sticking.
This is a lazy cabbage casserole which means we have made it so simple and there is no need to precook the cabbage .
Garnish this casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Variations

Want to change up this recipe?

Protein: Ground pork or ground turkey also work in this casserole.
Low Carb version: Use cauliflower rice instead. Reduce the broth by half so that your casserole isn't watery.
Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chili powder to increase the heat.
Vegetables: Amp up the veggies by adding ½ cup shredded carrots or diced.
Make it cheesy: If your family loves cheese, add mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese.
Spices: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder to the cabbage mixture.

Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips

Storage - Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Make ahead - You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, take it out and pop it in the oven!

Freezing - This casserole also freezes well. Let the cooked casserole cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating - Reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until warm. Or reheat single servings in the microwave until warm.