If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, this Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the classic flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in an easy casserole form that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With tender cabbage, savory beef, and perfectly cooked rice all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is truly an irresistible treat that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe, you’ll keep things simple with a handful of wholesome ingredients that bring out layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays an important role, from the juicy meat to the tender cabbage and the flavorful tomato sauce, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base; you can substitute with ground turkey or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
- 3.5 lbs green cabbage: Core and coarsely chop for tenderness and flavor; savoy cabbage offers a sweeter, more delicate touch if preferred.
- 1 large yellow onion: Finely chopped to bring a sweet and aromatic depth, roughly one cup in volume.
- 1 cup long grain white rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all those delicious flavors perfectly; brown rice works too but requires a longer cooking time.
- 1 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish; adjust according to your taste or dietary needs.
- 28 oz tomato sauce: Adds a rich, tangy layer; crushed tomatoes can be a great alternative for a chunkier texture.
- 3.5 cups beef broth: Brings moisture and deep savory notes; vegetable broth is a lighter option if you prefer.
How to Make Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This simple first step invites a cozy warmth into your kitchen and sets the stage for the magic to come. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and melting flavors.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat afterward to keep the casserole rich but not greasy. This step builds that savory backbone of the dish.
Step 3: Combine the cabbage mixture
Grab a big mixing bowl and mix together the chopped cabbage, finely chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, tomato sauce, and the browned beef. Stir everything well to make sure the flavors meld and the rice is evenly distributed throughout. This mixture is where all those incredible cozy tastes start to come together.
Step 4: Transfer to baking dish and add broth
Pour the cabbage mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking. Then, pour the beef broth over the top. The broth will keep the casserole moist and infuse additional savory goodness during baking.
Step 5: Cover and bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil or a lid to trap all the heat and steam inside. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. This slow baking allows the rice to cook through and the cabbage to become tender without drying out.
Step 6: Stir and continue baking
Carefully remove the cover and gently stir the casserole to evenly distribute the ingredients. Cover again and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the rice has fully absorbed the tomato and broth flavors—this step perfects the comforting texture.
Step 7: Let it rest
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting period allows flavors to settle and makes serving easier and more enjoyable. Then get ready to dive into the warm, hearty goodness you just made!
How to Serve Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or dill on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang that complements the tangy tomato sauce brilliantly. These simple touches make the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted root vegetables, or even a fresh baguette to scoop up every last bite of sauce. For a truly cozy meal, consider creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls on the side to soak up the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the center of the table, inviting everyone to dig in. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions with a garnish and a drizzle of extra beef broth or sauce around the edges. Either way, it’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days and tastes just as comforting when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even heating, ensuring that delightful cozy feeling stays intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lighter substitute and still provides plenty of flavor and protein. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture as turkey can release more liquid than beef.
Do I have to cook the rice before baking?
No need to pre-cook the rice; the uncooked rice cooks perfectly during the baking process as it soaks up the tomato sauce and beef broth, delivering tender grains bursting with flavor.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, with some tweaks! Use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding cooked lentils or mushrooms can also boost the texture and heartiness.
What if I don’t have a 9 x 13-inch baking dish?
That size is ideal for even cooking, but you can use a similarly sized casserole dish or two smaller dishes. Just adjust the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the tenderness of the cabbage and rice.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use pure tomato sauce and gluten-free beef broth. Always double-check labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients sneak in.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about the Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe that makes it a go-to for comforting dinners. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers layered flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this casserole hits the spot every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how cozy and delicious a stuffed cabbage dish can be without all the fuss of rolling individual leaves!
Print
Irresistibly Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cozy stuffed cabbage roll casserole combines ground beef, hearty cabbage, rice, and flavorful tomato sauce for a comforting, all-in-one baked dish. It simplifies classic cabbage rolls into a layered casserole that’s perfect for family dinners and freezes well for meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or pork for variation)
Vegetables
- 3.5 lbs green cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped (savoy cabbage can be used for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
Grains
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked (brown rice can be used with longer cooking time)
Liquids & Sauces
- 28 oz tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes as an alternative)
- 3.5 cups beef broth (vegetable broth can be used for a lighter version)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the beef: In a large nonstick skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coarsely chopped cabbage, finely chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, tomato sauce, and the browned beef. Stir thoroughly so the mixture is evenly blended.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the cabbage and beef mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Pour the beef broth over the top to add moisture for cooking.
- Bake covered: Tightly cover the baking dish with foil or a lid, then bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes to allow the cabbage to soften and the rice to cook through.
- Stir and continue baking: Remove the cover, gently stir the casserole, then recover and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef to change up the flavor and nutritional profile.
- Savoy cabbage offers a sweeter, more delicate texture if you prefer over green cabbage.
- Using brown rice will require increasing the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a lighter, less meaty casserole.
- Seal the dish tightly during baking to trap moisture and cook the rice evenly.
- This casserole reheats well and freezes nicely for meal prepping.
