Cabbage Casserole – Skinny Taste

This cabbage casserole recipe is basically a deconstructed version of stuffed cabbage, stuffed with shredded cabbage, ground beef, and brown rice in tomatoes and topped with melted cheese. I really like it!

Cabbage Casserole

I’m always looking for ways to utilize ground beef and love this stuffed cabbage casserole! I grew up eating stuffed cabbage, and always loved it when my mom made it for dinner. This version of a classic casserole is so delicious! You’ll love these lazy stuffed cabbage bowls too! And check out my other ground beef recipes here!

You will love this cabbage casserole!

I first tried this cabbage casserole back in 2011 while searching for the best dishes of the year on another blog (I always love those posts). I came across this recipe on Kalyn’s Kitchen and knew I had to try it! Here’s an original photo I took some time ago.

It’s delicious and perfect for 10 people to eat. Stuffed cabbage doesn’t usually contain cheese, but I loved the addition of cheese to this recipe. Of course, if you don’t want to add dairy, you can make it without cheese. Here’s another reason you’ll love this app:

• A delicious and crowd-pleasing dinner!
• This is a great main dish cabbage recipe if you’re looking for ways to utilize this vegetable.

ingredient

Here’s what you need to make this stuffed cabbage casserole: See recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing and layering.
• lean beef – Brown and brittle.
• onion – For a savory base.
• garlic – Adds depth of flavor.
• dried thyme – Enhances scent.
• Sweet Hungarian Paprika – For warmth and subtle sweetness.
• seasoning – Salt and freshly ground pepper – to taste.
• green cabbage – The key to coarsely chopped dishes.
• Small canned tomatoes with juice – Adds texture and feel.
• tomato sauce – Rich, cheeky bass.
• brown rice – It is a healthy grain. If you want to keep it low carb, you can skip it.
• Partially skimmed mozzarella cheese – For melty toppings.

How to Make Cabbage Casserole

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a large casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, then set aside.

Add the olive oil and chopped onion to the same pan and cook over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and brown, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and paprika and simmer for another 2 minutes. Then add the juice, tomato sauce, ground beef and water to the diced tomatoes and simmer until hot and slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

While boiling, cut the cabbage in half, core, and remove any wilted outer leaves. Coarsely chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces.

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the cabbage and simmer over medium heat until the cabbage is wilted and half cooked, turning it over several times to ensure it is all wilted and cooked through. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

When the meat and tomato sauce are cooked to a certain extent and thickened, add 2 cups of rice and mix lightly.

Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray and layer half the cabbage, half the meat mixture, the remaining cabbage, and the remaining meat mixture.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the mixture just begins to bubble at the edges.

Remove the foil and sprinkle over the cheese (if using). Bake, uncovered, for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Cut into 10 pieces and serve warm.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Useful Tips

• Dairy Free: If you want to go dairy-free, omit the cheese.
• Low Carb: To make it low-carb, leave out the rice and add more meat.
• Meal Preparation: Divide into two small casseroles and freeze one for later. It’s always delicious.

save

Leftovers can be frozen and reheated another day. Freeze for up to 3 months. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, let casserole cool and then freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave until hot, or place in a foil-covered ovenproof dish and heat in the oven.

More Cabbage Recipes You’ll Love