Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole – Hearty Comfort Food Made Easy

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole – Hearty Comfort Food Made Easy

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a classic comfort food that combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with the convenience of a one-pan baked dish. This recipe features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful ground meat filling, baked in a robust tomato sauce until perfectly juicy and satisfying. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, this dish is both nourishing and budget-friendly.

Unlike traditional cabbage rolls that require rolling each leaf individually, this casserole-style version saves time while delivering the same authentic taste. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy dinner recipe, hearty comfort food, or a healthy homemade meal with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

For the Cabbage

• 1 large green cabbage

• Water for blanching

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Meat Filling

• 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce

• ½ cup crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• Sour cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the head into the boiling water. Blanch for 5–7 minutes, gently peeling off softened leaves as they loosen. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Filling
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Sauce
   In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (if using), basil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well.

4. Assemble the Casserole
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. Spoon a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Place a portion of meat filling into each cabbage leaf and gently fold. Arrange seam-side down in the dish.

5. Bake
   Pour remaining sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbling and slightly caramelized on top.

6. Serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm with sour cream or crusty bread.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect family dinner idea

• Budget-friendly and filling

• Great for meal prep and leftovers

• Customizable for low-carb, gluten-free, or healthy eating

• Classic comfort food with modern convenience

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Related Questions (High-CPM SEO Keywords)

1. Can I make stuffed cabbage casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is ideal for meal prep. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

2. Is stuffed cabbage casserole healthy?
Absolutely. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Using lean meat and brown rice makes it even healthier.

3. Can I freeze cabbage roll casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Perfect for easy freezer meals.

4. What is the best meat for cabbage rolls?
Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken works great for a low-fat option.

5. Is this recipe low carb or keto-friendly?
You can make it low-carb by skipping the rice or replacing it with cauliflower rice.

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