Cheesy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Easy Comfort Food • Family Dinner • One-Pan Style
Description
Enjoy all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming process of stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves! This Cheesy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and savory spices in one comforting dish, finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Every bite delivers rich tomato flavor, tender vegetables, and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
– 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces until browned and the onion softens. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir well.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Mixture
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Add the Cabbage
Fold the chopped cabbage into the beef and tomato mixture. It may seem like a lot at first, but the cabbage will soften as it cooks. Mix thoroughly.
Step 6: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture inside and help the rice cook properly.
Step 7: Bake Until Tender
Bake for 60–75 minutes, stirring carefully after about 35 minutes if needed. Check that the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. If the mixture looks dry before the rice is cooked, add a little extra hot broth and continue baking.
Step 8: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Recipe Details
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 70–90 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Course: Main Course
– Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
– Cooking Method: Oven-baked
– Difficulty: Easy
Helpful Tips
– Cut the cabbage evenly: Small, bite-sized pieces soften more consistently.
– Use freshly shredded cheese: It usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
– Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
– Add more vegetables: Diced bell peppers or shredded carrots work well.
– Check the rice: Different rice varieties cook at different speeds. If the rice is still firm, add a splash of broth, cover, and continue baking.
– Make ahead: Assemble the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. For best results, add the rice and liquid shortly before baking, or check the liquid carefully if assembling everything in advance.
– Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly, adding a little broth if needed.
– Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. The cabbage texture may soften after thawing.
Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well. Add a little olive oil if the meat is very lean.
Q: Can I use cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the beef broth and add the cooked rice after the cabbage mixture has softened. The baking time will be shorter, so check the texture as it cooks.
Q: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella provides a stretchy, melty topping, while cheddar adds a richer flavor. Monterey Jack is another delicious option.
Q: Can I make this casserole without cheese?
Absolutely. The beef, cabbage, rice, and tomato mixture is flavorful on its own. Simply skip the cheese topping.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is ready?
The cabbage should be tender, the rice fully cooked, and the beef mixture bubbling around the edges. If using raw rice, make sure it has absorbed enough liquid and is no longer hard.
Q: What can I serve with it?
Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
Short Description
This Cheesy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and rich tomato sauce under a bubbly layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. An easy, hearty family dinner with all the classic cabbage-roll flavors and none of the rolling!