Cabbage Roll Casserole – Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic dish with a modern twist. Our Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole is a wholesome and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and please your taste buds. Packed with ground beef, aromatic herbs, and layers of tender cabbage, this casserole brings all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls in an easier-to-make format. Join us on a culinary journey that combines nostalgia with convenience, making it the perfect recipe to share with your loved ones.
Picture this: It’s a chilly winter evening, and the delightful aroma of our Cabbage Roll Casserole fills the air. As I serve this masterpiece to my family, their eyes light up with excitement. It has become our favorite dish, a symbol of love and togetherness. I remember how my husband first fell in love with this recipe when I surprised him with it on our anniversary. From that moment on, it has been a cherished tradition to enjoy this flavorful dish on special occasions. Its hearty nature and the combination of tender cabbage, succulent ground beef, and the perfect blend of spices make it an irresistible family favorite.
Why This Cabbage Roll Casserole Will Win You Over?
- A modern twist on a classic: Our Cabbage Roll Casserole brings together the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a convenient and hassle-free format.
- Bursting with flavors: The combination of aromatic herbs, savory ground beef, and the tangy marinara sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Wholesome ingredients: With quality ground beef, fresh cabbage, and a touch of bacon, this casserole offers a satisfying and nourishing meal for your family.
- Easy to make: Skip the individual rolling process of traditional cabbage rolls and embrace the simplicity of layering ingredients in a casserole dish. It’s a time-saving twist that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Versatile and adaptable: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and add your own personal touch. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or want to incorporate additional veggies, this recipe is open to customization.
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 (2 lbs.) cabbage, thinly 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 thoroughly cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet and stir in one jar of marinara sauce, along with thyme, dill, sage, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon and cooked rice, and then remove from heat.
Line the prepared baking dish with one-third of the shredded cabbage. Evenly distribute half of the meat and rice mixture on top. Add another layer of one-third of the cabbage, followed by the remaining meat and rice mixture, and finish with the final layer of cabbage.
Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the casserole, and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, where the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve it up to your eagerly awaiting family and savor the deliciousness!
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to add your own twist to the casserole.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- This recipe is also a great opportunity to sneak in some extra veggies. Consider adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, our Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with the convenience of a casserole. With layers of tender cabbage, savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a comforting delight that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Not only does this recipe deliver on taste, but it also brings people together. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress and evoke a sense of comfort and togetherness.
So why not dive into the world of flavors and create your own heartwarming memories with our Savory Cabbage Roll Casserole? It’s an easy-to-make, versatile dish that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.
Go ahead and give it a try. Embrace the convenience, embrace the flavors, and embrace the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those who matter most. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply assemble the layers as instructed, cover the dish tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, follow the baking instructions, keeping in mind that the casserole may need a few additional minutes in the oven since it will be starting from a cold temperature.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Certainly! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then divide it into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label and date the containers, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cabbage-Roll-Casserole-300x300.jpg)
Cabbage Roll Casserole
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 2 lbs. cabbage, thinly shredded (900 g)
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- 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 thoroughly cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet and stir in one jar of marinara sauce, along with thyme, dill, sage, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon and cooked rice, and then remove from heat.
- Line the prepared baking dish with one-third of the shredded cabbage. Evenly distribute half of the meat and rice mixture on top. Add another layer of one-third of the cabbage, followed by the remaining meat and rice mixture, and finish with the final layer of cabbage.
- Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the casserole, and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, where the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve it up to your eagerly awaiting family and savor the deliciousness!
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