Cabbage Roll Casserole

Cabbage roll casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in an easier-to-make casserole form. This recipe eliminates the need for rolling individual cabbage leaves, saving you time and effort while still delivering the same delicious taste. Packed with ground beef, rice, cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

1 head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup uncooked rice

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups beef broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef, and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring until it is evenly distributed with the beef and rice mixture.

Pour the beef broth over the cabbage and beef mixture in the skillet, ensuring that the cabbage is submerged in the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.

Once the rice and cabbage are cooked, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the cabbage roll mixture in the baking dish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the foil from the baking dish and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown on top.

Once the cabbage roll casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Conclusion: This easy cabbage roll casserole captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a simpler and more convenient format. With tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and rice, all baked together in a savory tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy the deliciousness and simplicity of this hearty dish!