Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Imagine all the cozy goodness of traditional cabbage rolls—savory ground beef, tender rice, and cabbage leaves drenched in tomato sauce—transformed into a comforting, hands-free casserole. That’s the magic of the **Stuffed 🚍 Cabbage Roll Casserole**. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, each forkful delivers layers of hearty flavor and homestyle warmth.

Introduction: The One-Dish Wonder That Delivers

Why wrestle with rolling cabbage when you can layer all the flavors in one pan? This casserole simplifies the assembly while staying true to the cozy soul of cabbage rolls.
As **Gordon Ramsay** loves to say, “Big flavor doesn’t need fuss.” **Ina Garten** would nod approvingly, adding, “Take shortcuts, but never sacrifice taste.”

And just like **Bobby Flay** embraces boldness—“Don’t be afraid to turn classic dishes into something fun and fresh”—this casserole reinvents a classic without losing its heart.

Why You’ll Love It

• No rolling, no fuss—just stack, bake, and savor.
• Make‑ahead friendly—perfect for busy families.
• Hearty, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors.
• Ingredient‑flexible—great for customizing with veggies or spices.
• Classic meets convenience—casserole style for modern cooks.

Ingredients & Pro Tips

Your Ingredient Lineup

• 2 pounds ground beef (lean or regular)
• 3½ pounds cabbage, chopped (about 1 medium head)
• 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup uncooked white rice (long or medium grain)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 (14-ounce) cans beef broth

Expert Prep Tips

• **Brown the beef thoroughly**—Ina Garten recommends good flavor development at every stage.
• **Sauté the onions first** to soften their bite and enhance sweetness.
• **Choose your rice wisely**—long-grain holds its shape, while short-grain gives creamier texture.
• **Lightly soak the rice** in room-temperature broth for 10 minutes before baking to reduce cook time and side dryness.
• **Use low‑sodium broth** if watching salt intake—you can always add seasoning later.

Method: Building Your Casserole in Layers

Step 1: Brown the Meat & Aromatics

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
Then, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent—about 5 minutes. This builds your flavor base.

Step 2: Add Cabbage & Partial Simmer

Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue to sauté another 5 minutes—just until it begins to soften.
Add the uncooked rice and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Layer & Settle in the Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top evenly so every scoop has a mix of ingredients.

Step 4: Add Broth & Bake

Pour the beef broth evenly over the casserole—this helps the rice cook thoroughly and ensures a moist final texture.
Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350 °F (177 °C) oven for 50–60 minutes, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.

Step 5: Finish Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes to allow the surface to set and develop gentle browning. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Approximate per-serving (8 servings):

Health Tips:

• Switch to lean ground turkey to reduce fat.
• Replace half the white rice with brown or wild rice for extra fiber.
• Add in more chopped veggies—carrots, bell pepper, zucchini—to boost vitamins.
• Top with fresh parsley or steamed greens for freshness at serving.

Safety & Storage Guidelines

• Ensure beef is cooked to at least 160 °F (71 °C) for safety.
• Let casserole cool slightly before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For long-term storage, freeze in individual portions—thaw overnight prior to reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 325 °F (163 °C) covered until warmed through (~20 minutes) or microwave in 30‑second bursts.

Internal Links: More Homestyle Favorites

Pair your hearty casserole with these comfort classics:

• Lemon‑Blueberry Cheesecake Bars – bright and tangy dessert to follow a savory meal.
• Apple‑Cinnamon Muffins – warm and spiced, perfect for breakfast leftovers.
• Chocolate‑Salted Caramel Cupcakes – luxurious sweet treat to cap off the day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble everything, refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready—just add 10 minutes to the covered bake time.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
   Sure! Ground turkey works well—reduce broth slightly if using leaner meat to avoid dryness.
3. Can I add extra vegetables?
   Yes—finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini integrate nicely and add nutrients.
4. Why isn’t the rice cooked?
   Make sure the casserole is tightly covered and bake long enough—rice should absorb the broth fully.
5. Can I substitute fresh tomatoes?
   Only use blended cooked tomatoes or crushed tomatoes; fresh chunks may leave it watery.
6. How do I reduce sodium?
   Use low-sodium broth and salt to taste after cooking; you can also reduce or omit added salt.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes—as long as your broth is gluten-free and no added seasoning contains gluten.
8. Is it freezer-friendly?
   Yes—cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
9. How do I get a crispy top?
   Uncover in the last 10 minutes of baking and switch to broil briefly—watch closely to prevent burning.
10. Best way to reheat leftovers?
    Oven is best—cover and reheat at 325 °F until warmed. Microwave works for single portions but may dry edges.

Final Thoughts on Casserole Comfort

The **Stuffed 🚍 Cabbage Roll Casserole** brings the soul of a classic dinner into a modern, no‑roll, one‑dish format. It’s simple, customizable, kid‑friendly, and forgiving—everything a great family recipe should be.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, prepping for a busy week, or craving comfort, this dish delivers. Bake it once, enjoy it all week—warm, hearty, and delicious.

Happy cooking from your modern homestead chef, inspired by the greats and served to your table with ease.
– Your kitchen confidante, blending tradition with convenience