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A large casserole dish filled with baked stuffed cabbage roll casserole

Lazy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

This comforting Lazy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of individual rolling. Layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef and rice, and a rich tomato sauce bake together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • large mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Garnish (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Core and blanch the cabbage leaves for 5-7 minutes until pliable, or chop raw cabbage finely. Drain, cool, then coarsely chop the blanched cabbage, removing thick ribs.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic for 1 minute. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, and drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water/broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
  • Combine the browned meat mixture, including the sauce, with the rinsed, uncooked rice in a large mixing bowl.

Assembly and Baking

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half the chopped cabbage, then half the meat and rice mixture. Repeat with remaining cabbage and meat mixture, spreading evenly.

Baking and Serving

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes until cabbage is tender and rice is cooked. For a caramelized top, remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers, remembering to remove it before baking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. This casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld further!