Cabbage Roll Casserole
Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen
I absolutely love making Cabbage Roll Casserole; it has become a go-to comfort food in our home. The combination of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and tangy tomato sauce creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. In just a little bit of time, I can prepare this casserole that reminds me of the traditional cabbage rolls my grandmother used to make. It's amazing how all the flavors meld together as it bakes, making it an instant favorite during chilly nights.
Making Cabbage Roll Casserole has been a delightful experience that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. Each time I make this dish, I focus on using fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavors. The best part is how quickly it comes together when you chop the cabbage and mix the filling. I've found that a blend of ground beef and pork provides the ideal flavor and texture.
While the casserole is baking, I recommend making a side salad to serve alongside it. The freshness of the salad complements the casserole's rich flavors beautifully. I also like to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top just before serving to add a pop of color and extra flavor!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting dish that warms the soul
- Easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal
- Flavors that get better with time, great as leftovers
Understanding Cabbage
Cabbage is the star of this casserole, providing both texture and nutrition. When blanched, the cabbage should become slightly tender but still hold its shape, preventing it from becoming mushy during baking. This technique enhances the flavor, allowing the cabbage to absorb the rich meat and tomato filling. I recommend using a large pot to give the cabbage room to move around; this helps ensure even cooking and eliminates any harsh bitterness that raw cabbage might have.
For optimal results, choose a head of cabbage that feels heavy for its size. Savoy or green cabbage work best in this dish, as both varieties have a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using collard greens or Swiss chard, although these will deliver a different taste. The key is to cut the leaves into manageable pieces so they evenly distribute throughout the casserole.
Meat and Flavor Profiling
The choice of meats is crucial to achieving a deep, savory base for the casserole. Combining ground beef and pork adds complexity, as beef provides a rich foundation while pork contributes a hint of sweetness. You could easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but make sure to add a little fat, like olive oil or bacon, to counteract the dryness that can occur with these meats.
Seasoning is equally important in this dish, with salt and pepper providing the necessary balance while paprika adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the overall flavor. I love using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to garnish before serving; these fresh touches can brighten the hearty flavors of the casserole and enhance the visual appeal.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make a delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole:
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Cabbage Roll Casserole:
Prepare the Cabbage
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped cabbage for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned, then drain excess fat.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Assemble the Casserole
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cabbage on the bottom. Spread the meat filling over the cabbage, then top with the remaining cabbage.
Bake
Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top.
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the filling. You can also add some shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Cabbage Roll Casserole is versatile, making it suitable for a variety of sides. I recommend serving it with crusty bread to soak up the hearty sauce or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. If you want to boost the meal with some grains, quinoa or a side of roasted potatoes work beautifully, complementing the rich flavors of the casserole without overwhelming them.
For a heartier meal, consider layering the casserole with layers of shredded cheese before baking. Cheddar or mozzarella add a delicious creaminess. If you're accommodating dietary restrictions, vegan cheese or a nut-based cheese can work well as substitutes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it separately from the cabbage. Just combine and bake when ready! Alternatively, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes even better the next day.
For storing leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for about three months. When you're ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30-40 minutes. Look for the center to be hot and bubbling before serving!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
→ Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef and pork.
→ What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole?
A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs well with this hearty dish.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
I absolutely love making Cabbage Roll Casserole; it has become a go-to comfort food in our home. The combination of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and tangy tomato sauce creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. In just a little bit of time, I can prepare this casserole that reminds me of the traditional cabbage rolls my grandmother used to make. It's amazing how all the flavors meld together as it bakes, making it an instant favorite during chilly nights.
Created by: Phoebe Turner
Recipe Type: Comfort Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped cabbage for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent. Add ground beef and pork, cooking until browned, then drain excess fat.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cabbage on the bottom. Spread the meat filling over the cabbage, then top with the remaining cabbage.
Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the filling. You can also add some shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g