Irresistible Cabbage Roll Casserole: A Quick and Easy Family Favorite!

Cabbage Roll Casserole – Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s both easy to make and sure to impress? Look no further than our irresistible Cabbage Roll Casserole! This recipe takes the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and transforms them into a convenient and flavorful casserole. With tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, savory bacon, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Get ready to indulge in a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table!

Every family has that one recipe that’s etched into their hearts and taste buds. For us, it’s the Cabbage Roll Casserole. I vividly remember the first time I made this dish for my husband and kids. The aroma filled our home, and as they took their first bites, their eyes widened with delight. It was an instant hit, and from that moment on, this casserole has become a beloved staple in our household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, our family gathers around the table, savoring every bite, and creating beautiful memories together.

Why This Cabbage Roll Casserole Will Win Your Heart?

• The Perfect Combination: This recipe combines the classic flavors of cabbage rolls with the convenience of a casserole. It’s a harmonious blend of tender ground beef, fragrant herbs, savory bacon, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.
• Quick and Easy: With its simple preparation and cooking process, this casserole saves you time in the kitchen without compromising on taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without the fuss.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe allows for customization to suit your taste preferences. You can add your favorite seasonings or incorporate additional vegetables for a unique twist. It’s a versatile dish that adapts to your family’s preferences.
• Comfort Food at Its Finest: The combination of tender cabbage, hearty beef, and cheesy goodness creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It warms your soul and brings a sense of nostalgia to the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. ground beef (900 g)
• 1 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (24 oz.) jars marinara sauce (680 g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium head cabbage (2 lbs.), shredded (900 g)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch (22×33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Drain any excess grease, then stir in one jar of marinara sauce, along with the thyme, dill, sage, salt, pepper, bacon, and cooked rice. Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Line the bottom of the greased baking dish with a third of the shredded cabbage. Evenly spread half of the meat/rice mixture over the cabbage. Layer another third of the cabbage on top, followed by the remaining meat mixture and the final third of cabbage.

Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top, ensuring the entire dish is well covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This waiting time allows the flavors to settle and ensures each bite is as delicious as the last.

Notes:

• If you’re looking to add more vegetables, consider including diced bell peppers or shredded carrots along with the cabbage layers for added color and nutrition.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, making this dish a fantastic option for meal prep.

In conclusion, our Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a true winner in every aspect. From its enticing title to its delicious flavors, this recipe is bound to become a favorite among your family and friends. With its convenient preparation, comforting ingredients, and customizable options, it’s a dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and joy to the table.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and flavorful meal or a food enthusiast eager to try something new, this casserole has it all. The tender ground beef, fragrant herbs, savory bacon, and gooey melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. And let’s not forget the delightful cabbage layers that add a refreshing twist to the classic dish.

But what truly makes this recipe special is the memories it creates. Just like in our own family, gathering around the table, savoring each bite, and sharing stories of the day, this casserole has the power to bring people closer. It’s a meal that sparks conversations, creates laughter, and builds bonds.

So, don’t hesitate to give our Quick and Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole a try. Embrace the convenience, indulge in the flavors, and let it become a staple in your household. Share it with loved ones, create your own stories and anecdotes, and let this recipe become a part of your family’s culinary traditions.

We hope that this recipe brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought us. May it warm your heart, nourish your soul, and leave you with memories to cherish for years to come. Bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of shredding it myself?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage if it’s available in your local grocery store. It’s a convenient option that saves you time in the kitchen.

Can I freeze the Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble the dish as instructed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly with foil and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it according to the original instructions.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time for brown rice is usually longer, so adjust accordingly or precook the brown rice before adding it to the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and bacon from the recipe and instead add a combination of cooked lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Sacrlett

This recipe takes the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and transforms them into a convenient and flavorful casserole. With tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, savory bacon, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs. ground beef 900 g
• 1 white onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 24 oz. jars marinara sauce (680 g)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 4 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium head cabbage 2 lbs., shredded (900 g)
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese grated

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch (22x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• Drain any excess grease, then stir in one jar of marinara sauce, along with the thyme, dill, sage, salt, pepper, bacon, and cooked rice. Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Line the bottom of the greased baking dish with a third of the shredded cabbage. Evenly spread half of the meat/rice mixture over the cabbage. Layer another third of the cabbage on top, followed by the remaining meat mixture and the final third of cabbage.
• Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top, ensuring the entire dish is well covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This waiting time allows the flavors to settle and ensures each bite is as delicious as the last.

Notes

If you're looking to add more vegetables, consider including diced bell peppers or shredded carrots along with the cabbage layers for added color and nutrition.

For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day, making this dish a fantastic option for meal prep.

Keyword Cabbage Roll Casserole