Made with simple ingredients, this cabbage casserole is so easy to toss together and can be made ahead of time (on the weekend!).

The family and the cook will love this simple and comforting dish!

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 white onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups cooked white rice
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 medium head (2 lbs) cabbage, shredded
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

How To Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 3: Drain grease and stir in 1 jar of the marinara sauce, along with the thyme, dill, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in bacon and rice and remove from heat.

Step 4: Line baking dish with a third of the cabbage. Evenly top with half of the meat/rice mixture. Top with another third of the cabbage, remaining meat mixture, and final third of the cabbage.

Step 5: Pour remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Remove foil, top with cheese and bake until cheese is bubbly and melted, 10-12 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips:

Choose the Right Cabbage: Use green cabbage for this recipe. You can also use Napa cabbage if you prefer a milder flavor.

Core and Blanch the Cabbage: Before using the cabbage leaves, core the cabbage and blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll.

Ground Meat: You can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or choose one or the other. You can also use ground turkey or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

Season Well: Season the meat mixture generously with salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley for flavor.

Add Rice: Include cooked rice in your meat mixture. Long-grain white rice is the most common choice. It should be fully cooked before adding it to the filling.

Tomato Sauce: Use a good-quality tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a rich and flavorful sauce. You can add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.

Layering: Layer the cabbage rolls in the casserole dish, placing them seam-side down to prevent them from unraveling during baking.

Cover the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid while baking to ensure that the cabbage rolls cook evenly and stay moist.

Baking Time: Bake until the cabbage rolls are tender and the meat is fully cooked. Cooking times can vary, so check for doneness by testing the internal temperature of the meat.

Garnish: Garnish your cabbage roll casserole with chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, for a burst of freshness.

FAQs:

1. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just bake it when you’re ready.

2. Can I freeze cabbage roll casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

3. Can I use Savoy cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Savoy cabbage is a suitable alternative. Its leaves are more tender, so you might not need to blanch them for as long. Just adjust the blanching time accordingly.

4. What can I serve with cabbage roll casserole?

Common side dishes include a simple salad, crusty bread, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top of the cabbage rolls.

5. Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with a plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils, quinoa, or brown rice.

6. How can I prevent the cabbage rolls from unraveling during baking?

Placing the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the casserole dish and ensuring they are packed snugly can help prevent them from unraveling during baking.

7. What size casserole dish should I use?

A 9×13 inch casserole dish is a common choice for this recipe, but you can adjust the size based on the quantity you’re making.