This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a cozy dish that combines ground beef, cabbage, and rice in a tasty mix. It’s great for a filling family meal without all the fuss of rolling!
I love how everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the flavors blend perfectly, and it’s hard to resist sneaking extra helpings! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage works best for this dish because it cooks down nicely and has a mild flavor. If you can’t find it, savoy cabbage or napa cabbage are good alternatives. They have similar textures and will blend well with the other ingredients.
Ground Beef: I recommend using a lean ground beef for less grease, but you can also opt for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. If you’re looking for a meatless version, try using lentils or a meat substitute for a hearty flavor.
Rice: White rice is quick and easy, but brown rice works too! Just increase the liquid a bit and keep in mind it may need a longer cooking time. Quinoa could be a fun twist, adding different texture and protein.
Cheese: While mozzarella or cheddar cheese is great for topping, feel free to use your favorite cheese! Feta can add a different zing, or even a vegan cheese if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
How Do I Cook Cabbage Properly?
Cooking cabbage can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! It needs to be soft enough to enjoy but not mushy. Follow these steps for great results:
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces; this helps it cook more evenly.
- Adding it to the skillet after sautéing the beef and onions helps it to soften faster. Stir it gently until it wilts but retain some crunch.
- Cover the dish while baking to trap steam, which will further soften the cabbage and flavors in the casserole.
Enjoy your cooking, and have fun making this delicious dish!
Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole (with Ground Beef)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Casserole Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time and then 1 hour of baking time. Total time: around 1 hour and 20 minutes, including cooling time. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart while it cooks until it’s browned. If there’s a lot of fat, drain it off to keep your dish from being greasy.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue to cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is nice and soft. It’s all about building flavor!
4. Add Rice:
Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s well mixed into the beef and onion. This will absorb all the delicious juices as it cooks.
5. Mix in Cabbage:
Gently add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cabbage starts to soften, just a couple of minutes is all it needs.
6. Combine the Sauces and Spices:
Pour in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now it’s time to transfer your mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it will bake perfectly.
8. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 1 hour. This will allow the rice and cabbage to become very tender and flavorful.
9. Add Cheese & Finish Baking:
After an hour, carefully remove the foil. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return it to the oven without the foil for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help everything set up nicely. You can garnish with fresh dill or parsley to make it look extra special!
Enjoy your easy, delicious Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole! It’s sure to be a favorite in your home!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute to achieve a similar texture.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
What Should I Serve with This Casserole?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor!
