Description
A hearty and comforting stuffed cabbage casserole made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sautéed cabbage, cooked rice, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This baked casserole combines the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 large green cabbage (or 1 small), cored and chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
Tomatoes and Liquids
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Other
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook Garlic and Beef: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Simmer: Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, tomato puree, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Rice: Stir the cooked white rice into the beef mixture and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Cabbage: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread one-third of the beef and rice mixture on the bottom. Layer half of the sautéed cabbage over it. Repeat the layers, and then top with the remaining beef mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the cabbage is well softened to prevent a crunchy texture in the casserole.
- Use freshly cooked rice rather than leftover chilled rice for the best texture.
