Irresistible Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Posted by My Name is Alice on

 


Cabbage Roll Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, flavorful dish that delivers the taste of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the tedious work. Layers of tender cabbage, savory meat, and marinara sauce meld together in a cheesy, satisfying bake. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or cozy family gatherings. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, and the ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 2 lbs ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the casserole.
  • 1 white onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced: Enhances the aroma and adds a touch of zest.
  • 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce: The heart of the dish; binds everything together with its tangy and savory taste.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill: Offers a light, herby contrast.
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage: Provides warmth and complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the richness.

For the Casserole Layers:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice: Brings texture and balances the flavors.
  • 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled: Infuses the dish with smoky, savory goodness.
  • 1 medium head (2 lbs) cabbage, shredded: The star ingredient, adding texture and mild sweetness.
  • 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated: Creates a melty, golden topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  • Cook and crumble the bacon, shred the cabbage, and cook the rice ahead of time to streamline the assembly.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Drain any excess grease, then stir in one jar of marinara sauce, thyme, dill, sage, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the bacon and rice, then remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Casserole

  • Spread one-third of the shredded cabbage evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with another layer of cabbage and the remaining meat mixture. Finish with a final layer of cabbage.
  • Pour the second jar of marinara sauce evenly over the top.

4. Bake to Perfection

  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the casserole, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Rest and Serve

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle for easy slicing.

Why This Recipe is Loved

This Cabbage Roll Casserole captures all the rich, hearty flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite seasonings, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. The smoky bacon and gooey mozzarella elevate this dish to pure comfort-food status.

Pro Tips for Perfecting the Dish

  1. Evenly Shred the Cabbage: Use a food processor or mandoline for uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking.
  2. Customize the Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor profile.
  3. Pre-Cook the Cabbage (Optional): Lightly sauté the cabbage if you prefer a softer texture.
  4. Cheese Variations: Try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer topping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with:

  • Crusty bread for soaking up the savory marinara sauce.
  • A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Steamed vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Casserole is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious. With its layered flavors and melty cheese topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for the weekend, this casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Try it today and savor the timeless flavors of a classic reinvented!