If you are craving all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but want something quicker and less fiddly, this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It captures the hearty, savory goodness of a traditional cabbage roll but skips the tedious task of rolling each leaf. Instead, tender cabbage mingles with a rich, tomato-infused meat and rice mixture, baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is a warm hug in casserole form, perfect for family dinners or a satisfying meal prep option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe, you’ll rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table — from the savory depth of ground beef and pork to the fresh crunch of cabbage and fragrant herbs that brighten the whole dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, meaty flavor and protein.
- 8 ounces lean ground pork: Adds tenderness and a subtle sweetness; you can substitute with more beef if preferred.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Offers a sweet and savory base note when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the casserole.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy backdrop for the meat mixture.
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds texture and natural sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with concentrated richness.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshens and brightens the dish with herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Infuses subtle, slightly tangy earthiness that complements cabbage perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts a gentle aromatic depth during simmering.
- 2 ½ cups cooked rice (brown or white): Adds comforting heartiness and soaks up all the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the cabbage to tender-crisp perfection.
- 1 head green cabbage (chopped, about 8 cups): Provides volume, crunch, and a mild sweetness that makes this casserole special.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously buttering a 9×13 inch baking pan. This simple step prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the baked edges, helping your casserole develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, and minced garlic together over medium heat. Cook until there’s no pink left and the onions are translucent. This foundational step is where all those savory flavors start to build, so don’t rush — it’s worth waiting for that beautiful caramelization. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Mixture
Into the browned meat, stir in the tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, tomato paste, fresh parsley, dried dill, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Lower the heat and cover the pan, letting the mixture simmer for around 10 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and intensify wonderfully. After simmering, fish out the bay leaf and fold in the cooked rice, evenly distributing it throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Sauté the Cabbage
While your tomato-meat mixture simmers, heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens but still holds a bit of crunch — tender-crisp is what you’re aiming for. This step ensures the cabbage keeps structure and texture once baked, giving the casserole a lovely contrast.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Now to assemble! Spread half of your sautéed cabbage evenly in the buttered baking pan. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture on top, and repeat the layers one more time, finishing with the meat mixture on top. Layering rather than mixing everything at once gives each bite a perfect balance of meat, rice, and cabbage.
Step 6: Bake Until Hot and Bubbly
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the whole dish to be piping hot and bubbling around the edges — that’s when the flavors have fully combined, and the top gets just the right bit of golden charm. When it comes out, it’s ready to serve a crowd or provide enough comfort food for several days.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this already hearty casserole. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few fresh dill fronds adds a lovely pop of color and brightness. For a tangy kick, dollop some sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top — it works beautifully to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly. Roasted root vegetables or crusty bread also complement the dish by adding variety in texture and a hint of sweetness or crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins or small baking dishes for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You could even transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or layered in lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist. The versatility of the Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe means it welcomes your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that tastes just as good the next day, making weeknight dinners effortless and satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-2 minute increments until hot.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice?
Absolutely! Both brown and white rice work well in this recipe. Brown rice offers nuttier flavor and chewier texture, whereas white rice gives a softer bite. Just be sure rice is fully cooked before incorporating.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with plant-based meat alternatives or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or cooked beans to keep the texture and protein content satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day before baking; just cover and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready to enjoy.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used instead, but reduce the amount to about one tablespoon since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh parsley gives a brighter flavor and nicer color contrast though.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture while simmering. You could also include diced jalapeños with the onion and garlic for a fresh heat kick.
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe proves that comforting, flavorful meals don’t require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and fresh, perfect for warming up your kitchen and satisfying hungry loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find this casserole to be your new weeknight favorite that’s easy to make, easy to love, and impossible to resist.
Print
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but without the hassle of stuffing. Ground beef and pork are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, then layered with tender-cooked cabbage and rice. Baked to perfection, this hearty casserole is a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces lean ground pork (or additional ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices, 1 can)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Brown the meats and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain excess fat from the pan to keep the dish lean.
- Simmer the tomato mixture: Add tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, chopped fresh parsley, dried dill, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf to the skillet. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. After simmering, remove and discard the bay leaf, then stir in the cooked rice until fully combined.
- Cook the cabbage: While the tomato mixture simmers, heat the olive oil in a separate large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and sauté it until it is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes, which helps to soften the cabbage and enhance its flavor.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked cabbage evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage and top with the final portion of the beef and rice mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor, but white rice works just as well.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your tomato sauce and paste do not contain any gluten additives.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven for quick meals.
