How to make Cab bage Roll Casserole
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
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
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.
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.
Pour remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, top with cheese and bake until cheese is bubbly and melted, 10-12 minutes.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 380 kcal | Total Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 970mg | Total Carbohydrates: 24g | Dietary Fiber: 5g | Sugars: 8g | Protein: 23g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the dish and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven as directed in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can use other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may cook at different rates.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a delicious vegetarian version of this casserole by omitting the ground beef and bacon and using plant-based protein alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or veggie crumbles.
Adjust the seasoning and flavors to your liking.
Can I freeze the leftovers of this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this Cabbage Roll Casserole. Once it has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese with a different cheese variety?
Absolutely! While mozzarella cheese works well in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or Gouda, to customize the flavor to your preference.
Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of rice in this casserole. While the recipe calls for cooked white rice, you can substitute it with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for added nutritional value and different textures.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage in this casserole?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage if you want to save time on prep. However, shredding a fresh head of cabbage provides a fresher texture and taste to the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, for additional nutrients and flavors.
Just make sure to chop or dice them into small pieces before adding them to the skillet.
Can I freeze the Cabbage Roll Casserole for later?
Yes, this casserole is suitable for freezing. Once it has cooled down, portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.