Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that wraps tender cabbage leaves around a savory and hearty filling. This delightful dish combines ground meat and rice, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that melds flavors beautifully. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this casserole promises to bring warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. Here are several reasons you’ll adore it:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• The recipe is easy to follow, making it a great choice for weeknight meals.
• It offers a nutritious balance of vegetables and protein.
• This dish can be made gluten-free or vegetarian with simple substitutions.
• It freezes well, allowing you to enjoy leftovers later.
• The savory cabbage rolls baked in a rich tomato sauce create a delightful flavor fusion.

With its Eastern European roots, this dish fits well in the realm of comfort food. It’s a fantastic cabbage roll casserole that can easily adapt to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Gather these items:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked rice
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Remove the core from the cabbage head carefully.
2. Step 2: Boil salted water in a large pot and submerge the whole cabbage.
3. Step 3: Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are tender.
4. Step 4: Peel away 10-12 softened leaves gently and set aside to cool.
5. Step 5: Chop any leftover cabbage to mix into the casserole later.
6. Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Step 7: Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Step 8: Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
9. Step 9: Stir in cooked rice, chopped cabbage, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
10. Step 10: Simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
11. Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread tomato sauce in a baking dish.
12. Step 12: Spoon filling onto each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Keep these in mind:

• Use firm cabbage for best results.
• Brown rice adds nutrition and a nutty flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option if desired.
• Fresh oregano enhances flavor significantly.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste throughout the cooking process.

Best Ways to Serve Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Here are some serving suggestions:

• Pair it with a side salad for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
• Serve it alongside garlic bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
• This casserole can also shine as a main dish for a potluck.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

For storage, allow the casserole to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through, making this a great option for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole?

The key is to ensure that the cabbage leaves are tender enough to roll without tearing. Boiling the cabbage for just the right amount of time helps achieve this. Using a rich tomato sauce adds depth to the flavor of this stuffed cabbage dish.

Can I make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for a warm, comforting meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Avoid overcooking the cabbage while boiling; the leaves should be pliable but not mushy. Also, ensure you season the filling well to enhance the overall flavor of the cabbage rolls baked dish.

Variations of Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole You Can Try

Here are a few twists to the traditional recipe:

• Make a vegetarian stuffed cabbage roll casserole by using lentils or quinoa instead of ground meat.
• For a healthier option, use brown rice and low-fat cheese.
• Try adding different spices like cumin or chili powder for a unique flavor profile.
• Substitute the tomato sauce with a creamy white sauce for a different take.

For more delicious recipes, check out homemade tomato sauce or spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore veggie burgers with avocado green harissa for a delightful twist on flavors.

Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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Dive into comfort with our Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, where tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and fragrant spices meld together in a rich tomato sauce.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked rice
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Remove the core from the cabbage head carefully.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot and submerge the whole cabbage.
3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are tender.
4. Peel away 10-12 softened leaves gently and set aside to cool.
5. Chop any leftover cabbage to mix into the casserole later.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
9. Stir in cooked rice, chopped cabbage, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
10. Simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes to meld flavors.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread tomato sauce in a baking dish.
12. Spoon filling onto each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.

Notes

• Use firm cabbage for best results.
• Brown rice adds nutrition.
• Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Fresh oregano enhances flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg