Savory Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Welcome to a cozy culinary journey with a timeless favorite: Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole. This dish embodies comfort, warmth, and all the hearty flavors you crave on chilly evenings. Imagine tender cabbage leaves filled with savory beef and rice, all baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfection. Every bite is a delightful reminder of home-cooked goodness that disappears from plates in no time.

The magic of this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole lies in its simplicity and heartiness. As it bakes, the cabbage mellows, the beef flavors intensify, and your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re a fan of classic recipes or looking for a new family favorite, this casserole is sure to become a regular at your table. So, grab a spoon, savor those crispy edges, and let the flavors transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss.

With each serving of this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re embracing a tradition that spans cultures and generations. This modern twist on a beloved dish marries convenience with old-world flavors, making it a weeknight hero. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Benefits

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean ground beef, cabbage, and rice, this casserole is a satisfying and hearty meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
• Convenient and Time-Saving: By baking all the elements together in a casserole, you get the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls with much less effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or pork, swapping white rice for brown rice, or adding extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can even be frozen in single portions for longer storage, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for quick and easy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe Recipe

• The classic flavors of cabbage rolls are captured in every bite, making this casserole a comforting and nostalgic dish that reminds you of home.
• The cabbage mellows and sweetens as it bakes, creating a rich and flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the beef.
• The crispy browned edges of the casserole are irresistible, adding a textural contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
• Leftovers hold up well, allowing you to enjoy this dish for up to four days when stored properly, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
• Customizable options like using ground turkey or pork, brown rice, or adding extra veggies provide versatility and cater to different dietary preferences.
• Serving suggestions like crusty bread, cucumber salad, and sour cream with fresh dill elevate the meal and enhance its flavors.
• This recipe pays homage to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls from Eastern Europe and the Middle East, making it a wholesome and hearty weeknight meal.
• The dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring less effort than the traditional rolled cabbage leaves, making it a practical and satisfying option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Savory Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Filling

• 5 milliliters fine sea salt
• 1.6 kilograms green cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
• 200 grams uncooked long grain white rice
• 900 grams lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (approximately 150 grams)

Sauce

• 830 milliliters beef broth
• 820 grams tomato sauce

Pro Tips for Savory Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Pro Tips:

1. Ground turkey is a flavorful and lighter alternative to beef, perfect for a healthier twist on this dish. It absorbs flavors well, making it a great substitute without compromising taste.

2. Ensure the casserole is baked long enough and covered to trap moisture, especially when using uncooked rice. Proper baking time and ample broth are key for perfectly cooked rice and tender cabbage.

3. To save time, prepare the casserole ahead by assembling, covering, and refrigerating until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a convenient weeknight meal.

How to Make Savory Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Cook the ground beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until fully browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients

Combine chopped cabbage, onion, uncooked rice, salt, tomato sauce, and browned ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to evenly distribute ingredients.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the cabbage mixture evenly in a 23 x 33 cm baking dish. Pour the beef broth over the top.

Step 5: Initial Bake

Seal the baking dish with foil or a lid and bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 6: Stir and Continue Baking

Take the casserole out of the oven, stir well, cover, and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the casserole hot straight from the baking dish.

Storage Tips

Once the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole has cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze single portions in containers. When ready to enjoy the frozen portions, thaw them first and reheat covered in the oven or microwave for the best results. Surprisingly, both the rice and cabbage hold up well to storage and reheating.

For variations on the dish, consider using ground turkey or pork as flavorful substitutes for beef. Brown rice can be used instead of white rice, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly for the desired tenderness. Additionally, adding chopped bell peppers or carrots can introduce extra veggies and flavors without overpowering the traditional taste. Vegetarian adaptations can be made by using lentils instead of meat for a satisfying twist. Serve this hearty casserole with crusty bread, a simple cucumber salad, or pair it with roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, ground turkey can be used instead of beef in this casserole. It will still absorb the flavors well and provide a delicious alternative.

If using brown rice instead of white rice, remember to adjust the baking time by around 15 to 20 minutes to ensure the rice cooks through properly. Additionally, make sure there is enough liquid (broth) to accommodate the longer cooking time.

To add extra veggies, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers or carrots. They will add sweetness and additional nutrients to the dish without overpowering the classic flavors of the cabbage and beef.

For serving suggestions, crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes make excellent accompaniments to this hearty and saucy casserole. These sides will complement the dish and enhance the overall dining experience.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole with a generous dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The creamy and tangy elements will complement the rich flavors of the beef and cabbage, adding a delightful contrast to each bite. Additionally, consider serving the casserole alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the hearty and comforting nature of the dish with a light and zesty side.

Another creative twist would be to transform the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole into a cozy brunch dish by topping individual servings with a runny poached egg. The velvety yolk will add a luxurious touch to the savory casserole, creating a delightful and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. Pair this dish with a side of crispy hash browns or roasted sweet potatoes to complete the meal with a mix of textures and flavors.

FAQs for Savory Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey is a lighter alternative and absorbs flavors well, making it a great substitute for beef in this dish.

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole?

Ensure the casserole is baked long enough, and that it’s covered to trap moisture. Using uncooked rice works well with sufficient broth and proper baking time.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for best results.

What other vegetables can I add to this casserole for extra flavor?

Yes, diced bell peppers or carrots add sweetness and extra nutrients without overpowering the flavors.

Conclusion

As you prepare to savor the delightful flavors of the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, remember that this dish is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace of home-cooked comfort. The melding of tender cabbage, savory beef, and rice in a rich tomato sauce is sure to transport you to a cozy place of contentment with each delicious bite. Embrace the simplicity and heartiness of this casserole as it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas that beckon you to the table.

Whether you’re enjoying this casserole for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that never fails to please. So, embrace the ease of this recipe, make it your own with personalized twists, and savor the joy of sharing a meal that brings people together. Let the Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole become a staple in your kitchen, reminding you that comfort food can be both simple and extraordinary.