🥘 Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole – All the Flavor Without the Fuss

A Comforting, Cozy Casserole for Chilly Nights

There’s a certain kind of magic in recipes that feel like a warm hug on a cold evening. Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is exactly that kind of dish—comforting, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Imagine a bubbling casserole dish coming out of the oven, packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and rich tomato flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no questions asked.

Inspired by traditional Eastern European cabbage rolls, this casserole delivers all the familiar flavors—without the time-consuming rolling and stuffing. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy after a long day, this recipe fits the bill.

Growing up, my grandmother used to make cabbage rolls every winter. It was a labor of love—carefully rolling each leaf, simmering them in tomato sauce for hours. But let’s be honest—sometimes we want the flavor without the formality. That’s where this casserole comes in.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

If you’re on the fence about making this recipe, here are a few reasons it’s worth a spot in your meal rotation:

✅ No rolling required – All the classic flavors, none of the tedious prep.
✅ One-dish wonder – Everything bakes together in one casserole dish.
✅ Meal prep friendly – Perfect for freezing or reheating leftovers.
✅ Family-approved – Even picky eaters enjoy this hearty comfort food.
✅ Easy pantry ingredients – Nothing fancy, just wholesome ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this dish is that it’s made with simple, accessible ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or pantry.

Main Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef
Use lean ground beef for a less greasy casserole. You can also substitute ground turkey or pork if desired.
3½ pounds chopped cabbage
About 1 medium to large head of green cabbage. Chop it roughly—you want texture.
1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
This gives the dish its rich tomato base. You can use homemade sauce if preferred.
1 cup chopped onion
Adds depth and savory flavor.
1 cup uncooked white rice
Long-grain or jasmine rice works great here. It cooks right in the casserole.
1 teaspoon salt
Enhances all the flavors.
2 (14-ounce) cans beef broth
Moistens the rice and cabbage as it bakes, making the dish rich and flavorful.

🧀 Optional: Top with shredded cheese before baking for a gooey, melty twist.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole (Step-by-Step)

This casserole is a breeze to assemble. You don’t need to roll anything, stuff anything, or even precook the rice.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need:

A large skillet
A mixing bowl
A 9×13-inch baking dish

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

🔥 Tip: Season the beef with black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika if you want extra flavor.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add:

Chopped cabbage
Tomato sauce
Chopped onion
Uncooked white rice
Salt
The cooked ground beef

Mix everything well until evenly combined. The cabbage will cook down, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then pour the beef broth over the top. The liquid will help the rice cook and soften the cabbage as it bakes.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 1 hour.

Step 6: Stir and Bake Again

After the first hour, remove the dish from the oven, give it a good stir, re-cover, and return it to the oven. Bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked.

Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it melt into gooey, golden goodness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, straight from the oven. A dollop of sour cream on top? Even better.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

Crusty bread or garlic toast
Steamed green beans or peas
A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
Pickles or sauerkraut for a tangy contrast

🥗 Make it a balanced meal by adding a side of veggies or a simple soup.

🔁 Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This casserole is even better the next day!

Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.

Freezer:

Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

🧊 Tip: Freeze unbaked if prepping ahead—assemble the casserole, skip the baking, and freeze. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 90 minutes, covered.

🧀 Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some easy swaps and flavor boosts:

Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a meatless ground alternative.
Add heat: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use brown rice: Just par-cook it first to ensure it cooks evenly.
Sweet and savory twist: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra complexity.
Add cheese inside: Mix shredded cheese directly into the casserole before baking for cheesier bites throughout.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but reduce the amount of broth slightly (by about half), since the rice won’t need to absorb as much liquid.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is the go-to. Savoy cabbage works too, but avoid red cabbage as it changes the color and texture.

Do I need to cook the cabbage beforehand?

Nope! It softens beautifully in the oven. That’s what makes this a true time-saver.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours, until rice and cabbage are tender.

How do I keep it from getting too watery?

If your casserole turns out a bit watery, uncover it during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

📸 Share Your Cabbage Casserole Creations!

This dish is rustic, hearty, and surprisingly beautiful when topped with fresh herbs or melted cheese. Snap a photo of your finished dish and tag us on Instagram using #CabbageRollCasserole. We’d love to see your version and hear how your family enjoyed it!

❤️ Final Thoughts: Classic Comfort, Made Easy

This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy old-world comfort food. It brings all the warmth and nostalgia of traditional cabbage rolls, minus the fussy rolling and simmering. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, weekend meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Whether it becomes your new winter staple or a dish you save for special family dinners, one thing’s for sure—this casserole has staying power.

Ready to simplify your comfort food game? Give this cabbage casserole a try—you won’t regret it.