This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delicious and easy dinner option for those busy weeknights! Tender cabbage, beef, and white rice are all cooked in a tangy tomato sauce for a hearty comfort food meal that your whole family will love.
This unstuffed cabbage roll casserole is one of my favorite ways to save some time in the kitchen but still get a filling meal on the table for my family. Not only is full of delicious flavors but it's great for busy days or even special occasions. You won't regret making this simple recipe.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- You only need basic ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store to make this deconstructed cabbage roll casserole.
- All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the extra prep work to stuff them.
- It's family-friendly and even the picky eaters in your household will love this lazy man cabbage casserole.
Ingredient List
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- ground beef
- salt
- black pepper
- tomato sauce
- beef broth
- green cabbage
- yellow onion
- uncooked long-grain white rice
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
Step 1: In a large skillet brown the beef. Once cooked all the way through drain the excess grease.
Step 2: In a large bowl stir together the beef broth and tomato sauce. Then mix in the remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Once the ingredients are well combined transfer them into a 9x13 casserole dish.
Step 4: Bake covered in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for one hour. Then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
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.
- Garnish this casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe?
- Change up the ground meat: Instead of using ground beef, you could use ground pork or ground turkey to make this easy recipe.
- Low Carb version: Switch out the rice and 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, chili powder, or even red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
- Make it cheesy: If your family loves cheese, add mozzarella cheese or even Colby jack cheese to this recipe.
- Spices: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the cabbage mixture.
Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Make ahead - You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just take it out and pop it in the oven!
Freezing - This casserole also freezes well. Let the cooked casserole cool before transferring 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your cabbage is tough, then it was not cooked enough. Return the casserole to the oven and cook it for another 15 minutes or so.
There is no need to boil the cabbage before adding it to this casserole dish. Roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces so that it cooks in the oven.
Yes, cabbage rolls can be frozen. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and freezing for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
I love to pair a hearty casserole like these unstuffed cabbage rolls with a fresh vegetable side dish like this Easy Roasted Broccoli with Garlic. It's tangy and super simple to make.
If your family is like mine and they want a bread side dish with your meals then you will want to give these Easy Yeast Rolls. The best thing about this recipe is that even beginners can make it.
Do you like to enjoy a bite of something sweet after your meal? If so, then give this Lemon Lush Dessert a try! It's creamy, tangy, and super easy to make.
I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.
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Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Cabbage Roll Casserole
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Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 ground beef mix works best
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (29) ounce can, tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika optional
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
- 3½ cups beef broth
- 3½ pounds green cabbage cored and chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion peeled and diced (1 large onion should produce 1 cup of diced onion)
- 1 cup long grain white rice uncooked
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil to grease the casserole pan Note 1
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/177°C. Prepare a 9"x 13" casserole dish with 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 2 pounds ground beef, break it up as the meat browns. Remove and discard excess grease from the pan. Season the ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the 29-ounce can tomato sauce and 3½ cups beef broth. Optional, add ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. (Note 4)
- To the bowl, stir in 3½ pounds chopped green cabbage, 1 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 cup long grain white rice, and browned ground beef.
- Transfer the ingredients to the prepared casserole dish.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
- Uncover the casserole and carefully stir the contents in the casserole dish. Re-cover and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes prior to serving.
