Cozy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole That’ll Win Over Any Crowd (1-Pan Wonder!)

There’s something deeply nostalgic about stuffed cabbage rolls—but let’s be honest, rolling each leaf like a mini burrito isn’t exactly a weeknight hobby. That’s where this stuffed cabbage roll casserole comes in. All the comforting flavors of Grandma’s cabbage rolls, layered up like lasagna, minus the fuss.

I first made this dish on a drizzly Tuesday when my toddler was elbow-deep in kinetic sand, and the fridge begged for mercy. One lonely cabbage, leftover rice, and a pound of ground beef later, dinner magic happened. My husband? He went back for thirds. My 4-year-old, who thinks green things are suspicious, cleaned her plate. You know it’s a win when no one asks, “Is there something else?”

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping like a boss, or just craving old-school comfort without the elbow grease, this casserole is your answer.

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Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

• It’s Lazy Genius Cooking: No rolling, no boiling, no babysitting. Just layer and bake.
• Family Friendly: It’s secretly veggie-loaded and totally toddler-approved.
• Budget Conscious: Simple, affordable pantry staples make this a regular rotation winner.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: It freezes like a dream and reheats beautifully.
• One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes = happier cook.

PIN IT OR SAVE IT

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain the fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until it softens.
4. Mix the Sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Layer the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a greased 9×13” dish, layer half the rice, then half the cabbage mixture. Repeat.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake: Cover with foil. Bake 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10–15 more until bubbly.
8. Serve: Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Don’t skip the simmer! It helps meld flavors and soften cabbage just enough.
• Make it meatier with a combo of beef and pork, just like Eastern European grandmas do.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or Gruyère for an extra melty kick.
• Short on rice? Use cooked quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.

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Bake It With the Littles

Let the kiddos:

• Dump in the canned tomatoes (splash zone warning 🚨)
• Stir the cabbage (with supervision!)
• Sprinkle cheese on top like little chefs

Casseroles are forgiving, so if tiny hands “help” a little too much, it’s still going to taste amazing.

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Meal-Prep Magic

• Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
• Freeze It: Assemble and freeze before baking (wrap tightly). Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60–70 minutes, covered.
• Reheat Leftovers: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Brown rice or quinoa for more fiber
• Low-fat cheese or less cheese (if you must)
• Add extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots

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Leftover Remix

Got extras? You’re in luck.

• Stuffed Peppers: Scoop leftovers into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake.
• Soup Starter: Add broth and call it unstuffed cabbage soup.
• Savory Wraps: Heat and tuck into warm tortillas with sour cream.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Casserole = love in a pan. Here’s how to share:

• Use a disposable foil tray for easy gifting.
• Include reheating instructions on a sticky note.
• Pair it with a loaf of crusty bread or a simple salad.

Perfect for new parents, neighbors, or anyone who needs a little edible hug.

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FAQs

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of chopping cabbage?
Yes! About two 10-ounce bags will do the trick and save chopping time.

What kind of rice works best?
Cooked long-grain white or brown rice is ideal. Avoid anything sticky or undercooked.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative like Violife.

Does it need to be covered while baking?
Yes, at first! This keeps it from drying out. Uncover for the final 10–15 minutes for bubbly cheese magic.

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Final Thought

If comfort food had a casserole cousin, this stuffed cabbage roll casserole would be the MVP. It’s warm, hearty, and just complicated enough to feel homemade—but not so complicated that you’ll dread dinner duty. Whether you grew up on cabbage rolls or are just discovering their charm, this shortcut version brings all the heart with half the hassle.

Try pairing it with my Easy Garlic Butter Green Beans or Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins for the ultimate cozy dinner lineup. And if you make it, tag me—I love seeing your family digging in.

Happy baking, mama. You’ve got this.

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