If you love the classic comfort of cabbage rolls but prefer a simpler, fuss-free meal, the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This dish captures all the beloved flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without any tedious rolling—just layers of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and flavorful tomato sauce baked to perfection. It’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners, combining hearty textures and zesty tang in every bite, all coming together in one easy casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making this delicious casserole. Each element plays a key role, from the juicy ground beef adding richness to the shredded cabbage lending a subtle crunch and freshness, while the tomato sauce ties everything together with its vibrant flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular, depending on your preference for flavor and fat content.
- 2 cups onion, chopped: Adds a savory sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant hint that elevates the overall taste.
- ¾ cup uncooked converted rice: Absorbs sauce flavors and adds comforting texture throughout the casserole.
- 8-9 cups cabbage, shredded: Approximately half a large head, it provides tender crispness and fresh balance.
- 2 ½ cups tomato pasta sauce or 1 large can tomato sauce: Pick your favorite flavor or spice level to customize the dish to your liking.
- 3 tablespoons vinegar: Adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances acidity with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory, umami punch to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild bite and warmth.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well; this simple step prevents sticking and ensures your casserole slides out easily when serving, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with chopped onion and garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Be sure to break up the meat with your spoon to keep the texture nice and crumbly. Once cooked, stir in the uncooked rice — this will cook while baking and soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
Combine the tomato pasta sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl or measuring cup. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, flavor-packed sauce that will infuse the casserole with tangy and savory notes.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun part — layering! Begin by spreading one-third of the shredded cabbage evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef and rice mixture, then drizzle one-third of the tomato sauce on top. Repeat this layering one more time with cabbage, beef mixture, and sauce, then finish with the remaining cabbage and sauce for the final layer.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover your casserole tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. This covered baking phase allows the rice to cook fully and the cabbage to soften while letting all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 30 minutes uncovered. This step helps the top layer develop a lovely texture and the casserole to bubble nicely, signaling that it’s ready.
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, gently stir the casserole just a bit to blend the layers slightly. Serve it warm, and enjoy that delicious comfort food feeling in every bite of this easy, satisfying Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill on top brightens the rich flavors and adds a peppery herbaceous note. For a cool and creamy contrast, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of plain Greek yogurt is irresistible and complements the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans add balance and a splash of color to your plate. Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also great for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties or family gatherings. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass baking dish lets you show off its beautiful strata of cabbage, beef, and sauce — guaranteed to make everyone eager to dive in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your generously portioned casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Just wrap the baking dish securely with foil and plastic wrap or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months, offering you a convenient homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual servings for quicker results. Add a little moisture, like a splash of broth or water, if the casserole seems dry to maintain that delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and offers a leaner but equally tasty alternative. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well.
Is it necessary to use converted rice?
Converted rice is preferred because it cooks evenly and holds up well in casseroles, but you can substitute with regular long-grain white rice if you don’t have converted rice on hand. Just keep an eye on the texture as baking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust seasonings to taste, and the casserole will still be hearty and delicious.
Do I have to shred the cabbage finely?
Shredding the cabbage helps it cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients. Coarser pieces might take longer to soften and could affect the casserole’s overall texture.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead of time, keep it refrigerated, and then bake it before serving. This flexibility makes it great for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe that makes it a standout weeknight winner. Its layered flavors, easy preparation, and wholesome ingredients bring pure joy to the table. I encourage you to try it soon and watch it become a cherished staple for your family and friends.
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Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef, rice, and shredded cabbage are layered with a tangy tomato-based sauce and baked to tender perfection, resulting in a hearty, easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups onion, chopped (about 1 medium onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup uncooked converted rice (such as Minute Rice)
- 8–9 cups cabbage, shredded (about ½ large head of cabbage)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups tomato pasta sauce or 1 large can tomato sauce (choose spicy or your favorite flavor)
- 3 Tablespoons vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a medium skillet, combine ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or meat chopper to achieve a crumbly texture. Once browned, stir in the uncooked rice and set the skillet aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the tomato pasta sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread one-third of the shredded cabbage evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer, then drizzle with one-third of the tomato sauce mixture. Add another one-third layer of cabbage, followed by the remaining half of the beef and rice mixture, and drizzle with another one-third of the sauce. Finally, spread the remaining one-third of cabbage on top and pour the last one-third of the sauce evenly over the top layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps cook the rice and soften the cabbage while melding the flavors together.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, uncovered. Bake until the cabbage is tender, rice is fully cooked, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: After baking, gently stir the casserole to blend the layers slightly. Serve warm as a delicious, hearty main course.
Notes
- You can customize the tomato sauce by choosing a spicy or mild flavor based on your preference.
- Using converted rice ensures it cooks evenly during baking, but white rice can be substituted if needed—adjust baking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
